Kinston City Council approves electric rate cut, Caswell Mill Park agreement and new downtown tattoo studio
The Kinston City Council met Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, approving a slate of public items ranging from a citywide electric rate reduction to a development agreement for Caswell Mill Park and a special-use permit for a downtown tattoo parlor.
Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Hardy presided in Mayor Don Hardy’s absence with council members Barbara Seaforth, Felicia Solomon, Chris Suggs and Robert Swinson in attendance.
Electric rates lowered 4 percent
Council voted to adopt an ordinance reducing electric rates by 4 percent across multiple customer classes. Public Services Director Steve Miller said the change was made possible after the final payment of the city’s long-standing NCEMPA wholesale power debt in June, which cut wholesale costs by about 8 percent. The reduction will take effect this month, saving the average household roughly $6 per month.
smART Kinston developer agreement approved
Following a continued public hearing, council approved a development agreement with smART Kinston Foundation for the city-owned Glen Raven Mill property at 800 Manning Street. The 12-acre site will be transformed into Caswell Mill Park, a cultural and recreational campus anchored by a professional BMX and skate facility equipped with $350,000 in ramps donated from Greenville’s Unit Facility.
The phased redevelopment will include restoration of the historic mill, arts and event space, and youth programming. The foundation will assume responsibility for construction, maintenance and fundraising under the agreement.
Tattoo parlor receives special-use permit
Council also granted a special-use permit to James Brandon Corey to operate a tattoo parlor at 311 N. Queen St. in downtown Kinston. The Planning Board recommended approval, finding the request consistent with the city’s land use plan and downtown business district regulations.
Finance updates and purchases
Finance Director Donna Goodson presented the city’s fourth-quarter budget report showing revenues of $105.2 million and expenditures of $99.4 million for fiscal year 2024-25. Council also approved a $362,847 operating budget amendment to account for insurance proceeds tied to repairs on a fire truck damaged by lightning earlier this year.
Council authorized the $653,215 purchase of a new Gap Vax Jet/Vac truck for the Public Services Department through a cooperative purchasing contract.
Special event permits and property sale
Two special event permits were approved — Brad-Fest 2025 and the Kinston First Pentecostal Holiness Church Fall Festival. Council also approved a resolution authorizing the sale of city property at 1011 Macon Street.
City Manager’s report
City Manager Rhonda Barwick provided updates on Kinston’s Christmas season, including lighting at Pearson Park, Christmas Card Lane, and the annual parade.
The meeting adjourned following council and mayor reports.
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