Kinston’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 proposes a lower property tax rate, no increases to major utility rates and the implementation of a new pay and classification plan for city employees.
All in Politics
$40 Million Courthouse Renovation Sparks Debate Among Lenoir County Commissioners
A proposed renovation of the Lenoir County Courthouse became one of the major points of debate during the county commissioners’ FY 2026-27 budget workshop, as board members weighed building needs against concerns about taxpayer burden.
Lenoir County Manager Recommends Increasing LCPS Operational Funding to $11 Million
Lenoir County Manager Michael James recommended increasing Lenoir County Public Schools’ operational allocation to $11 million during the county commissioners’ FY 2026-27 budget workshop.
What Kinston’s Proposed Tax Rate Cut Means for Property Owners
Kinston property owners would see a lower city tax rate under the recommended fiscal year 2026-27 budget, but the actual savings will depend on each property’s assessed value.
Lenoir County Commissioners Debate Tax Relief, Spending Priorities During FY26-27 Budget Workshop
Lenoir County commissioners reviewed a proposed FY 2026-27 budget that would maintain the county’s current property tax rate while funding employee pay adjustments, public safety, school operations, transit needs and several capital priorities.
Public Notice: Notice of Public Hearing FY 2026-2027 Budget
The public is hereby advised that per G.S. 159-12, the Interim City Manager has submitted the proposed budget for the City of Kinston for FY 2026-2027 to the Mayor and the City Council. A copy of the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 is on file in the office of the City Clerk, the Public Library and on the City of Kinston's website, www.kinstonnc.gov. The budget is available for public inspection during normal business hours untilthe budget ordinance is adopted. The City Clerk's office is located in City Hall at 207 E. King Street, Kinston, North Carolina.
Murphy Legislation to Improve Medicare Reimbursement Stability Passes Ways and Means Committee
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., celebrates the passage of his bill, H.R. 8163, the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act, in the House Ways and Means Committee. This legislation modernizes and updates the underlying mechanics of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) to improve stability for physicians and their patients.
Desk of Senator Brent Jackson: May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly.
Kinston City Council approves vape shop rules, demolition funding and tool shed program
Kinston City Council approved new zoning rules for tobacco, vape, hemp and CBD retailers Tuesday, while also moving forward with demolition funding, traffic signal upgrades, several special event permits and an employee wellness incentive increase.
Lenoir County commissioners approve school permit, juvenile prevention plan and budget amendments
Lenoir County commissioners approved several items Monday, including a special use permit for a new school, a juvenile crime prevention spending plan, budget amendments, tax collection reports, equipment repairs and surplus vehicle sales.
Kinston council to consider $300,000 citywide demolition and cleanup fund
Kinston City Council will consider establishing a $300,000 capital project Tuesday to address condemned structures and other code violation properties inside the city.
Lenoir County manager to present recommended budget Monday
Lenoir County commissioners will get their first look Monday at County Manager Michael James’ recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
Kinston council to consider new zoning rules for tobacco, vape and CBD shops
Kinston City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday on proposed zoning rules for tobacco, vape, hemp, CBD and similar retail establishments.
Kinston plans tool lending program to help residents maintain properties
Kinston residents could soon be able to borrow lawn care and maintenance tools through a new city program intended to help with property upkeep.
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly.
Jones County commissioners approve senior services plan, audit contract and Extension agreement
TRENTON — Jones County commissioners approved funding plans for senior services, selected an audit firm and entered into an agreement to keep a Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agent fully based in Jones County during their regular meeting Monday.
Lenoir County moves shell building project into design phase
Lenoir County commissioners voted Monday to move forward with the design phase of a proposed shell building in the Highway 70 Industrial Park, approving a reimbursement resolution and a design services contract with Jackson Builders Inc.
Camber Foundation Names Town of Maysville Manager Schumata Brown to Inaugural Advisory Council
Jones County native brings municipal governance and community development expertise to Eastern North Carolina foundation
Greene County Commissioners Approve ECC Withdrawal and Opioid Settlement Participation; Oppose Property Tax Reform Measure
The Greene County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Greene County Operations Center in Snow Hill.
Sen. Brinson and Rep. Humphrey file companion bills to move Pink Hill municipal elections to even years
RALEIGH, N.C. — State Senator Bob Brinson (R-District 3) and State Representative Chris Humphrey (R-District 12) today announced the filing of companion bills in the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives to amend the charter of the Town of Pink Hill, moving the town's municipal elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years.