Rep. Chris Humphrey responds to Kinston mayor's statement on FY26 Budget and property tax debate
In response to a recent statement from the Mayor of Kinston defending the proposed FY26 budget and property tax rate increase, North Carolina House Representative Chris Humphrey issued the following statement:
“I appreciate the Mayor’s dedication to public service, but I must respectfully disagree with his justification provided for raising property taxes on Kinston residents.
While it’s true that the County’s property revaluation rose by 73% and the City’s by 38.65%, the average resident doesn’t calculate fairness by percentages — they feel the pain when their tax bill rises, regardless of revaluation context.
Kinston must prioritize structural reforms, improved efficiency, and smarter spending before turning to taxpayers for more money. Raising taxes should never be the first step—it should be the last resort.
On the issue of House Bill 539, I welcome collaboration and input from local leaders to ensure rural communities are protected. But mischaracterizing the bill as an attack on Kinston only fuels unnecessary division. Our shared goal should be to grow local economies and reward fiscal responsibility — not to preserve systems that aren’t working.
The overwhelming feedback at the recent public hearing was clear: people are stretched thin and are tired of being asked to pay more without seeing real, tangible improvements. Those voices matter.
I will continue to stand with the residents and taxpayers of Kinston to ensure government remains efficient, transparent, and accountable. The bottom line is that whether you own or rent your residence, or own and run a small business, your monthly expenses are almost guaranteed to drastically increase if the City Council approves this budget.”
Rep. Humphrey represents North Carolina House District 12, which includes Lenoir, Greene, and Jones Counties.
Sources:
· NEUSE NEWS: Rep. Humphrey voices support for Kinston residents opposing city tax increase
· NEUSE NEWS: Mayor Hardy addresses misconceptions about Kinston’s FY26 Budget
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.
