Lenoir County commissioners approved a $105.1 million budget after a divided debate over the tax rate, public transportation funding and whether the county should reduce the burden on property owners following revaluation.
All in Politics
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson, June 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.
Snow Hill budget keeps tax rate steady, includes water and sewer rate increases
SNOW HILL, N.C. — The Town of Snow Hill’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget keeps the town’s property tax rate unchanged while increasing water and sewer rates to support utility operations and infrastructure needs.
Catherine Hardee is headed back to the national trivia stage
The Kinston native and former “Jeopardy!” champion will appear on “Trivial Pursuit,” the television game show hosted by LeVar Burton. The episode, titled “On Thin Ice,” is listed by The CW as Season 2, Episode 219 and is scheduled to air Thursday at 9 p.m.
Whatley emphasizes jobs, public safety and military support during Kinston campaign stop
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley told supporters during a Kinston meet-and-greet that his campaign is focused on jobs, public safety, lower costs and support for North Carolina’s military community.
Sheriff Rogers addresses concerns over Flock license plate readers
As your Sheriff, I am completely against any system being used for personal, political, or other improper purposes. These License Plate Readers are used strictly as an investigative tool to help protect our citizens and assist law enforcement in solving crimes.
La Grange recommended budget holds tax, utility rates steady
LA GRANGE — The Town of La Grange’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 would keep the property tax rate and base utility rates unchanged while funding street, utility, downtown, park and facility projects.
Senator Brent Jackson: Dear Friend of Senate District 9
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 council tables rezoning request, approves conditional permit for Queen Street store
Kinston City Council tabled a rezoning request near Grainger Stadium and approved a conditional special use permit for a convenience store with a kitchen at 515 N. Queen St. during a lengthy meeting Tuesday.
Kinston budget hearing turns tense as residents press council on taxes and services
The hearing turned tense when Mayor Kareem Moore ordered one speaker removed after comments directed at Interim City Manager Ralph Clark.
Lenoir County commissioners weigh one-cent tax cut during budget work session
Lenoir County commissioners appear likely to consider a one-cent property tax reduction as they move toward adoption of the county’s FY 2026-27 budget, following a June 1 work session that centered on taxpayer relief, capital projects, school funding, transit costs and long-term financial planning.
Jones County commissioners reject fire district, delay budget decision
TRENTON — The Jones County Board of Commissioners rejected a proposed Fire Protection Service District on Monday after residents and commissioners raised concerns about how the tax would be structured, how the money would be distributed and whether the public had enough information before a decision.
Brent Heath: Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA) bill
Lenoir County currently has a 3.5% unemployment rate, and the median income is just over $45,000. Legislation is moving through Congress that would hand Washington bureaucrats sweeping new authority over workplace contracts in eastern North Carolina and across the nation. As a conservative, I see this as disastrous, but this bill should gravely concern you regardless of your political affiliation. It will empower union bosses and unaccountable government arbitrators at the expense of workers and businesses alike.
Lenoir County school board questions financial comments during meeting
The Lenoir County Board of Education meeting Monday included pointed questions about the district’s financial condition after board members raised concerns about comments reportedly made to county officials during budget discussions.
Maysville proposes $1.8 million budget with no tax rate increase
MAYSVILLE — The Town of Maysville’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget would keep the town’s property tax rate unchanged while increasing water and sewer rates, raising several local fees, adding part-time staffing and using fund balance to support operations.
Jones County manager proposes budget with unchanged county tax rate, new fire district tax
Jones County Manager Kyle A. Smith has presented a proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget that would keep the countywide property tax rate unchanged while adding a new dedicated fire protection tax.
Greene County Commissioners Review Tight FY26-27 Budget, Salary Study and Possible Changes During Workshop
Greene County commissioners used a recent FY 2026-2027 budget workshop to question spending priorities, employee raises, utility fees, recreation concerns, landfill planning and whether the county should continue funding a lobbyist contract.
Greene County Manager Proposes FY 2026-27 Budget With Steady Tax Rate, Fee Increases and Salary Adjustments
Greene County Manager Kyle DeHaven has presented a proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget that keeps the county’s property tax rate steady while recommending several fee increases, salary adjustments and targeted spending changes.
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.
Lenoir County Transit Faces First General Fund Subsidy as Commissioners Debate Fares, Service Model
Lenoir County commissioners discussed the future of the county’s transit system during their FY 2026-27 budget workshop, including a proposed general fund contribution for the first time.