Kinston revises travel policy for elected officials
The Kinston City Council heard wide-ranging public concerns Tuesday night during its Nov. 18 meeting, which included discussions on property taxes, policing, abandoned structures, stormwater issues and frustrations about the city’s public comment process. The meeting also featured updates on major infrastructure work, recognition of an undefeated middle school football team, and the final regular business meeting for Councilmember Chris Suggs.
Mayor Don Hardy was absent due to travel for National League of Cities duties. Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Hardy presided.
Citizens raise concerns about neighborhood safety, taxes and communication
Several residents spoke during public comment, raising issues that included:
Neighborhood visibility and planning enforcement.
LaVonne Grandy requested an apology from city planning staff, saying she was treated unfairly when she raised safety concerns about a church van parked next door. Grandy said the vehicle blocked visibility and that she felt her neighborhood was being “treated as a dumping ground.”
Abandoned homes.
Resident Jeanette Blue again urged the city to secure an abandoned home on her block that has been open to the elements for years. She said she reported the issue months ago with no action taken and told council she no longer feels safe.
Police and sheriff’s office funding.
Quarla Blackwell criticized the size of the Kinston Police Department budget and compared it with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office. She called for a forensic audit and questioned whether spending was proportionate to need. Other residents echoed calls for greater budget scrutiny.
Property taxes and the revaluation.
Multiple speakers, including Rosemary Jones and George Gorsuch, said rising property taxes are pushing homeowners to consider leaving Kinston. Several urged the city to reduce the tax rate next year. Jones said she previously requested a budget amendment and forensic audit and argued the city is not doing enough to provide relief.
Public comment access.
Resident Raine Tyndall said many citizens reporting issues through the online public comment form never had their statements read and argued the submission link should remain active year-round. She also requested that the city review how it handles emailed comments.
Council receives updates on street resurfacing, lead service line inventory and electric rates
Street resurfacing cost increase approved.
Public Services Director Steve Miller presented a change order of $32,582 for the city’s 2024-25 resurfacing project due to deeper milling required on several streets. The total contract now stands at about $1.3 million. Miller said 26 street sections were resurfaced, the largest number in a single project in city history. The change order was approved.
Lead service line inventory progress.
City engineering staff reported that Kinston has not identified any confirmed lead pipe service lines to date. However, many galvanized lines must still be replaced under federal rules if historical records cannot confirm whether they were ever connected to lead. The EPA requires a full inventory and replacement plan by 2027. Funding gaps remain because the state will not fund replacements for lines with unknown historical materials.
Electric system financial outlook.
Miller also reviewed electric system finances following the 4 percent rate reduction implemented in October. He said no additional rate changes can be made this fiscal year without risking deficit spending. Multiple variables remain uncertain, including Duke Energy wholesale rate adjustments and potential “true-up” charges.
Budget amendment and Riverwalk project closure approved
The council voted to close the city’s long-dormant Riverwalk capital project from 2014 and redirect about $25,000 remaining in the project fund back to the general fund. The council then approved a budget amendment allocating $334,950 to support Lenoir County’s new River Greenway project, for which the county will invoice the city as work progresses.
Council adopts revisions to travel and property lease policies
Council approved updates to the mayor and council travel policy, including adopting a per-diem meal reimbursement system and tightening receipt requirements. The council also approved a new policy standardizing how city-owned buildings and land can be leased, affirming that the city does not intend to operate residential rentals.
Councilmember Suggs delivers final remarks
Councilmember Chris Suggs delivered an extended farewell, marking his final regular business meeting after four years on the council. Suggs spoke about accomplishments, challenges and the need for more civility in public discourse, saying he plans to focus on community activism. His mother also delivered remarks praising his service.
Local events highlighted
City staff announced upcoming holiday events, including:
Turn on the Holidays at Pearson Park
Farmers Market seasonal events
The annual Kinston Christmas Parade on Dec. 6
Adjournment and closed session
The council entered closed session for a personnel matter before reconvening and adjourning.
Neuse News is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to provide free, hyper-local news to Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties. The kind of news our grandparents read in a format fit for today's times.
We provide this by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
