The Kinston City Council met Tuesday, Sept. 2, working through a packed agenda that included a proposed redevelopment of the former Glen Raven Mill, updates to city and county recreation planning, and several major infrastructure purchases.
All tagged kinston city council
Kinston Police Department issues report on use of force incident occurring July 13, 2025
A Kinston police officer’s use of force during the July 13 arrest of Cameron Williams was deemed justified after internal and external reviews.
Kinston City Council hears youth program pleas, approves utility projects and equipment purchases
Kinston City Council’s August 5 meeting mixed emotional public comment with a full slate of utility upgrades, vehicle and equipment purchases, and community updates. Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Hardy presided in Mayor Don Hardy’s absence.
City of Kinston votes against removing street lights on Queen Street
The Kinston City Council voted against a proposal from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and approved by the Lenoir County Commissioners to remove several traffic signals on Queen Street. The decision was made following a public hearing where numerous community members voiced strong opposition to the plan.
Barbara Seaforth eyes seat on Kinston City Council, advocates for community-driven change
Retired educator Barbara Seaforth is running for a seat on the Kinston City Council in the upcoming 2023 municipal elections. Seaforth, a resident of Lenoir County, is not the incumbent and seeks to bring her experience to the role.
Dr. Joseph (Joe) Askew eyes city council seat with vision for a united Kinston
Dr. Joseph (Joe) Askew, an Adkin High School alumnus, has announced his intention to run for City Council in Lenoir County. His extensive background in public service, education, and legal sectors uniquely positions him as a candidate with comprehensive experience.
Sammy C. Aiken: A twelve-year councilman's vision for Kinston's future
After twelve years of committed service on the Kinston City Council, Sammy C. Aiken, a retired 20-year U.S. Navy veteran, has plans for the future of the city he represents. Although he was born and raised in Eden, he’s lived in Kinston for 42 years, and his service stretches beyond his tenure in the Navy. He has contributed to the community, serving on boards and committees.
Antonio M. Hardy: A Marine Corps Veteran with a Vision for Kinston's Future
With 31 years of dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps under his belt, and a further two years serving as Kinston's Mayor Pro Tem, Antonio M. Hardy is no stranger to leadership. A native of Kinston, Hardy has announced his intention to run for City Council in Lenoir County, aiming to continue his mission of being a "voice for the people" and fortifying the connection between city and county.
City of Kinston to hold special meeting at The Gate
The City Council of the City of Kinston will hold a special meeting on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 6pm at The Gate.
Kinston City Council selects Rhonda Barwick as the new City Manager
On Tuesday night’s city council meeting, the council selected Rhonda Barwick as its new City Manager. Barwick has worked with the city of Kinston for 28 years.
Upcoming Meetings for Jones, Greene, and Lenoir Counties for March 13-19, 2022
Listed below are the upcoming government meetings for Jones, Greene, and Lenoir Counties.
Neuse News Year in review: April
Neuse News delivers hyper-local news to the inbox of our readers every morning at 7:00 AM. Here is a look back on April’s most memorable articles.
Election 2021: BJ Murphy interviews council candidate Michael Martin
Neuse News publisher BJ Murphy sat down with candidate Michael Martin to discuss his City Council bid and issues facing the City of Kinston. They discussed the two requests for mayor and council pay increases, department head vacancies, how to help small businesses struggling to find employees, and more.
Upcoming Lenoir County Meetings
Upcoming Lenoir County Meetings
BJ Murphy: The Never-Ending State of Emergency
Roughly one year ago, Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19, and while an emergency is typically seen as a momentary crisis, this has been harnessed into the “new normal”, expanding bureaucratic control over citizens’ lives for an alarming period of time. Regardless of the continued state of emergency, our local officials are holding themselves to a different standard. The Kinston City Council and Lenoir County School Board continue to meet outside of their chambers and only through Facebook or Zoom. Are they afraid for their safety while asking their staff to be dismissive of their own? Are they worried about facing parents and the community in a real public forum again?
Kinston City Council Meeting on Tuesday
The Kinston City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at their regular meeting time of 5:30 pm. The City Council meets on the first Monday of each month (except holidays). Click here to download Tuesday’s agenda.
BJ Murphy: So, about last month...again
At the October 5th Kinston City Council meeting, the elected members unanimously approved two motions allowing city employees new vacation days for June 19 and Election Day. With roughly less than five minutes of discussion, both motions passed.
The City of Kinston has 378 positions on payroll and have about 350 positions filled at this time. Let’s assume all 350 are eligible to vote. If 70% take the time to vote, that will equate to approximately 245 employees exercising that right. Since 61.2% have already cast their ballots in our area, it would mean about 214 employees have already done so.
Based on historical numbers, the cost per vote on Election Day (31) is roughly $1,729, plus time and a half for our police, fire and other essential employees.
BJ Murphy: So, about last month...
Have you ever had something gnaw at you long enough that you finally had to address it?
Last month the City of Kinston requested that Neuse News run a Public Notice informing the community of the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. Having served for eight years as mayor, I know the budget process and numbers well. Glaring to me was the proposed $26,100 increase in the mayor and council’s salary line item. Surely that was a mistake. Surely in a time like this that would not be on the table.
Kinston City Council approves budget without raises
The Kinston City Council approved an operating budget for the next fiscal year that did not include the previously proposed raise. The Council also voted Monday night to allow Lions Water Adventure, Holloway pool, and the Fairfield Park splash pad to open on June 20.
Tyson and Swinson oppose city council raise
Former and current members of the city council do not support a proposed raise for the Kinston mayor and city council, which will be voted on Monday evening.