Kristy Kelly

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.

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and for eastern North Carolina, preparation is not just a coastal concern. Heavy rain, flooding, downed trees, power outages, tornadoes and washed-out roads can affect families well inland, even when a storm never makes a direct hit.

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.

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.

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.

The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office uses Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras along key roadways and travel corridors throughout the county, according to information provided by Capt. Christy M. Smith.

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.

Lenoir County commissioners may consider lowering the proposed FY 2026-27 property tax rate by one cent after a June 1 budget work session focused on taxpayer relief, county services and long-term capital needs.

The hearing turned tense when Mayor Kareem Moore ordered one speaker removed after comments directed at Interim City Manager Ralph Clark.

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.