Kinston residents voice frustration over tax hikes as city unveils $133 million budget
Kinston residents voiced frustration over rising property taxes and utility fees during a lengthy City Council meeting Tuesday evening, as city officials laid out a proposed $133 million budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year and celebrated the accomplishments of municipal employees.
The proposed budget includes a 15% sewer rate increase, a $1 hike in stormwater fees, and a four-cent property tax reduction. Still, residents expressed concern over the financial strain caused by the county’s recent property revaluation, which in some cases doubled or tripled assessed values.
“I moved here three years ago from New York thinking I’d be saving money,” said Lew Blevins, a disabled veteran who told the council his property taxes are set to increase from roughly $3,200 to $5,700. “I might as well move back.”
Blevins was one of several residents who addressed the council during a public hearing on the budget. Longtime Kinston homeowner Glenda Thomas said her property taxes had risen from $2,700 to nearly $9,900, an increase she called “impossible to manage” on her income.
City Manager Rhonda Barwick acknowledged the concerns and emphasized that the city had delayed many critical improvements for years due to insufficient funding.
“We’ve used fund balance year after year to bridge budget gaps,” Barwick said, noting that American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds had temporarily staved off deeper financial trouble. “The time has come when some of these projects simply can’t be delayed any longer.”
Barwick said the city is proposing $655,000 in street resurfacing, $2.9 million in stormwater improvements along Heritage Street, and more than $1.6 million in police equipment upgrades, including the replacement of 60 body-worn cameras and 20 in-car cameras. A 5% cost-of-living increase for full-time city employees is also included.
Mayor Don Hardy and Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Hardy both acknowledged the pressure the increases place on residents.
“We feel your pain. We live here, too,” said Mayor Pro Tem Hardy. “We don’t take these decisions lightly.” Hardy, who is retired and still working part-time, added, “I’ve been renting a house for $700 for the last five years. I don’t think many other people are doing that. We’re not immune to these hardships.”
Despite the budget tensions, the meeting featured moments of celebration. Kinston’s electric division was recognized for its strong performance at the 2025 ElectriCities Lineman Rodeo. Superintendent Tyler Skinner highlighted several staff members, including Zachary Boone, who earned first place in the obstacle course and third in the “Hurt Man Rescue” competition.
Aguilar Villigen, a first-time competitor, also took home first place overall, securing a trip to the national competition. “This is what other cities are noticing,” Skinner said. “They’re asking us to help train their crews.”
Steve Miller, Public Services Director, presented findings from a $400,000 stormwater system assessment. The study identified more than $7 million in needed infrastructure improvements over the next decade. The worst conditions were found in clay pipes along Heritage and West Blount streets, which are slated for early replacement to align with upcoming streetscape work.
Leon Steele, Executive Director of Downtown Kinston Revitalization, spoke on behalf of the design committee for the All-American City Park, unveiling plans for the park’s redesign. The updated space will feature new lighting, landscaping, and a Boy Scout-led sensory path. It will be rededicated as the Buddy and Mary Mack Rich All-American City Park.
Several community organizers, including Curtis Henderson and Tony Kinsey, spoke during public comment to thank city leaders and departments for their support of recent youth outreach programs and upcoming events. Kinsey, who runs the Positive Change Initiative, announced a June 28 bike giveaway at Southeast Elementary and praised the Parks and Recreation Department and Kinston Police for their contributions.
The Council also approved resolutions to close out several grant and capital projects and voted to begin the process to abandon a portion of unused right-of-way on North Davis Street.
The city will continue to accept feedback on the proposed budget ahead of its final vote, scheduled for the next council meeting. Printed copies of the budget are available at the City Clerk’s office and the Neuse Regional Library; a digital version is posted on the city’s website.
Hardy closed the meeting by noting that federal partners have indicated the long-shuttered Plaza Post Office—damaged by a 2023 tornado—could reopen as early as August.
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