Mayor Franks calls emergency meetings amid council conflicts over city policy

In an emergency meeting held on July 3, 2025, the City Council of Gastonia, North Carolina, faced significant tensions and political strife, primarily revolving around the city’s response to homelessness and the management of city resources. The meeting, called by Mayor Franks, was marked by a passionate invocation and a series of heated remarks from the mayor, who expressed frustration over perceived political maneuvering that he believes undermines the council's ability to serve the community effectively.

The mayor opened the meeting with a prayer, emphasizing the importance of community and the need for city leaders to provide essential services to all citizens. However, his tone quickly shifted as he addressed what he described as a lack of cooperation from city staff, particularly the city manager, who he accused of disregarding council directives. Franks expressed his determination to call daily emergency meetings until a quorum could be reached, indicating a sense of urgency regarding the issues at hand.

Central to the discussions was the city's handling of a cooling shelter for the homeless, which the mayor claimed had been mishandled due to internal conflicts and political gamesmanship. He highlighted the contributions of local organizations and individuals who stepped up to assist the homeless, contrasting their actions with what he perceived as a failure of city leadership. Franks criticized the council for not prioritizing the needs of the community, stating that the recent events made Gastonia appear unprepared and ineffective in addressing homelessness.

Throughout the meeting, Franks reiterated his commitment to serving the community, asserting that he would not shy away from making difficult decisions, even if they led to personal backlash. He called out specific council members and city staff for their roles in the ongoing disputes, suggesting that their actions were driven by political motivations rather than a genuine concern for the welfare of the city's residents.

The mayor's remarks underscored a broader concern about the political climate within the council, with Franks expressing a desire for unity and a focus on the community's needs over political rivalries. He concluded the meeting by reaffirming his dedication to transparency and accountability, promising to share information with the media to clarify the council's actions and decisions.

As the city grapples with these internal conflicts, the implications for Gastonia's governance and its ability to address pressing social issues remain significant. The mayor's call for ongoing emergency meetings suggests that the council's work is far from over, and the community will be watching closely as these discussions unfold.