Kinston Capital Plan Includes Police Technology, Fire Staffing Decision and Park Project Reductions

Kinston departments requested more than $4.6 million in capital outlay for fiscal year 2026-27, but the manager’s recommended budget funds about $3.9 million.

The recommended budget includes $3,885,800 in capital outlay across operating funds. Departments requested $4,677,200, meaning the manager’s recommendation reduced capital requests by about $791,400.

Vehicle purchases make up the largest category. Departments requested $2,161,600 for motor vehicles, and the manager recommends $1,742,200.

The Law Enforcement budget includes $654,900 in recommended capital outlay. Recommended police capital items include five Axon Fleet 3 in-car cameras, a mobile radio upgrade, a Matric 4T drone kit and multiple replacement vehicles.

The police operating budget also includes $237,900 for service and maintenance contracts. Listed contracts include Clearview AI software, Magnet Axiom/GreyKey phone forensic tools, Rekor license plate reader service, LexisNexis, Motorola software, LeadsOnline and PowerDMS subscriptions.

Fire and Rescue requested 55 funded positions. The manager recommends 53. Fire’s recommended total budget is $5,968,400, including salary adjustments tied to the city’s pay and classification plan. No fire capital outlay is recommended.

Several parks and recreation capital requests were reduced or not recommended. In Recreation Programs, the department requested $125,000 in capital outlay, and the manager recommends $23,000. Recommended items include Holloway Park playground repair and Holloway floor covers.

Items not recommended include Mock Gym windows, Emma Webb Playground workout equipment and a Mock Gym fitness machine.

In Recreation Parks, the department requested $475,200 in capital outlay, and the manager recommends $205,200. Items not recommended include a mulcher attachment, replacement of four light poles at Barnet Park, roofing at the Parks Office and parking lot resurfacing at Emma Webb and MCF.

The General Fund also includes a $65,000 transfer to the Capital Reserve Fund for Grainger Stadium, described in the budget as a $20,000 annual contribution plus field naming revenue. The Recreation Stadium budget is recommended at $614,600.

The proposed budget is scheduled for a public hearing at the regular Kinston City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.