Gastonia City Council debates changes to proposed 2026 budget amid public concerns

The Gastonia City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, was dominated by discussions surrounding the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, with significant implications for local taxpayers. City Manager Michael Peoples presented a budget that includes a reduction in the property tax rate by one cent, bringing it to 46 cents—the lowest since 1994. This cut is expected to decrease revenue by approximately $1.05 million, alongside a projected loss of $80,000 in sales tax revenue.

Peoples emphasized that the budget process has been ongoing since January, with multiple public hearings held to gather community input. However, some council members expressed concerns about the budget's transparency and detail. Councilman Hillman called for a postponement of the vote to allow for a more thorough review of line item budgets from the previous year, arguing that the current budget lacked sufficient detail for responsible decision-making.

The council's debate highlighted a divide between those advocating for immediate approval of the budget and those seeking further scrutiny. Councilman Kasupius acknowledged the hard work of city staff but suggested that if council members had specific concerns, they should have been raised earlier in the process. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Littlejohn pointed out past spending issues, urging caution and a reevaluation of the budget to ensure fiscal responsibility.

As the council deliberated, the potential for an interim budget was mentioned, allowing the city to continue operations while further discussions take place. The meeting underscored the challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs, as council members grappled with the implications of their budgetary decisions on local residents. The outcome of this budget discussion will shape Gastonia's financial landscape in the coming year, with significant attention on how the council addresses both immediate needs and long-term planning.