The Rocky Mount City Council approved a series of routine and ordinance items by voice vote at its Oct. meeting, including a rezoning request, an amendment to the city personnel plan and a $120,000 annual reduction in the city’s scheduled contribution to the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce.

Council action matters because it changes permitted land uses at a key site, adjusts the city’s personnel code, and reduces an annual economic-development contribution that affects the chamber’s budget.

Council approved the minutes of the Aug. 25, 2025 regular meeting on a motion by Councilman Joyner, seconded by Councilman Harris. The council then approved additions to the agenda and added two items for consideration: an ordinance amending Chapter 16 of the City Code (personnel plan) and a reduction in the scheduled annual contribution to the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce by $120,000. The agenda additions were moved by Councilman Harris and seconded by Councilman Joiner; the additions were approved by voice vote.

On a recommendation from city staff and the planning board, the council rezoned roughly 16.7 acres at 1521 North Wesleyan Boulevard from B-2 (Commercial Corridor District) to B-5 (Commercial Services). Joseph Bocook, director of development services, described the request as allowing additional higher-intensity uses so the owner can tow vehicles to the site. Councilman Joyner moved the ordinance; Councilman Walker seconded. A public hearing was opened; no members of the public spoke on the item. The council adopted the ordinance by voice vote.

The council approved the ordinance amending Chapter 16 of the Code of the City of Rocky Mount (personnel plan) on a motion by Councilman Joiner, seconded by Councilman Harris; the motion passed by voice vote.

The council also approved a reduction in the city’s scheduled annual contribution to the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce of $120,000. The motion was made by Councilman Knight and seconded by Councilman Joyner and carried by voice vote.

The consent agenda passed on a motion by Councilman Joiner and a second by Councilman Daughtridge; the consent items included tax releases, a temporary street closure, authorization to apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund grant documentation, acceptance of an award from the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, and authorization to execute documents related to retirement transfer of a K-9 to a qualified rescue group.

No roll-call vote tallies were recorded in the transcript; the meeting record shows voice votes and unanimous "aye" responses for the items moved that evening.