Jun 16

Jun 16 Kinston City Council passes budget without raises for mayor or councilmembers

On June 15, 2021, Kinston’s City Council voted to approve the proposed 2021-2022 budget, which included a four-cent property tax increase. The budget did not include the proposed salary increase for the city council members or the mayor.

During the meeting, Councilmember Robert Swinson made a motion to remove the salary increases from the proposed budget, which was seconded by Solomon. The motion passed with Solomon, Swinson, and Councilmember Kristal Suggs voting for the budget without the salary increases, and Councilmembers Antonio Hardy and Sammy Aiken voting against it.

“I will sleep well tonight knowing that we made the right decision to not approve the salary increase for the Council,” said Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon. “We are committed to trying to work closely with our City Employees and the beautiful people of our City to help ensure their well-being as best as possible.”

Former City Council Member Alice Tingle spoke prior to the vote and encouraged the council members to do what was best for the city while acknowledging the City Council's work.

“That’s the most important thing, you’ve got to do what your heart needs you to do so that you can sleep at night,” said Tingle.