Kinston council hears growing frustration over tax rate; attorney says rollback unlikely
Tension filled the Kinston City Council chambers Monday night as residents once again urged city leaders to reduce the property tax rate before year’s end, calling the 73-cent rate approved in June an “unfair burden” that has pushed some homeowners to the brink.
For the fourth consecutive meeting, citizens lined up during public comment to demand relief. Several said they are paying hundreds or even thousands more than last year after the city maintained a rate well above the 60-cent revenue-neutral level that would have offset this year’s countywide revaluation.
“Our tax bill went up a thousand dollars,” resident Melissa Paderick said. “Everyone in town is talking about it. It’s just unfair and an undue burden.”
Others warned the city could lose residents if it fails to act. “If they don’t reduce it by January 1, they’ll be facing fewer taxpayers, because people will go where it’s more affordable,” property owner Bob Dawson said.
Mayor Don Hardy thanked speakers for their comments but said council must operate within the law. The city retained attorney Clayton Davis of the Cauley Pridgen firm to review whether any mid-year tax adjustment is possible. Davis cited North Carolina General Statute 159-15, which allows a governing board to amend its budget ordinance after adoption only under limited circumstances — such as a court order, a directive from a state agency, or a major change in revenue before January 1.
“After reviewing the statute and its intent, we found those exceptions do not apply in Kinston’s current situation,” Davis said. “There is no legal mechanism for reducing the property tax levy this fiscal year.”
Council members acknowledged the frustration. Councilwoman Felicia Solomon asked if the city could offer temporary relief through utility savings by lowering electric rates again before the next budget season. City Manager Rhonda Barwick said staff will evaluate options but noted that the electric fund is already a key source of revenue supporting the general fund.
Councilman Chris Suggs added that he and other council members are also experiencing higher bills. “We’re feeling it, too,” he said.
Rezoning and development action
The meeting began with a public hearing on a rezoning request for 500 E. Grainger Avenue, changing the property from I-1 (industrial) to I-B (industrial business). Planning Director Elizabeth Blount said the request, submitted by Magnitude Real Estate LP, aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan and will allow a broader mix of commercial and light-industrial uses near Grainger Stadium. The rezoning was approved unanimously.
Housing rehabilitation funding
Council also approved a resolution to accept a $182,000 grant from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency under the 2027 Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Program. The program will fund repairs for aging or unsafe homes owned by low-income, elderly, or disabled residents. Applications open November 21 with an initial goal of rehabilitating two houses in Lenoir County.
Infrastructure and contract approvals
Other actions included:
Authorizing the purchase of $257,110 in components to repair the Pollock Street bar screen at the wastewater plant.
Approving a resolution to execute an installment purchase contract for city financing needs.
Approving $73,634 to cover half the cost of replacing the boiler and HVAC controls at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library.
Scheduling a November 18 public hearing to consider an economic development agreement for Cardon Rehabilitation and Medical Equipment.
Approving an agreement with Greenlight Community Broadband to extend fiber to three electric substations at a cost of $144,409.
Adopting policies for naming and leasing city-owned facilities, introduced by Councilman Suggs.
Closing discussions
In closing reports, Mayor Hardy thanked residents for continuing to engage, saying, “We’re listening and working hard to make decisions that are fair and sustainable.”
The next regular meeting of the Kinston City Council is set for Tuesday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
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