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Gastonia council delays FY2026 budget vote, asks staff for additional detail and reopens public hearing process
Summary
City Manager Michael Peoples presented the proposed FY2026 budget and alternatives reflecting council direction to lower the tax rate by 1¢ and to suspend a 5% water/sewer rate increase. After public comment and council questions about line‑item detail, council voted 5–2 to table the budget and request additional information to be provided to c
City Manager Michael Peoples presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and an amended ordinance reflecting council direction to reduce the property tax rate by one cent and to suspend a planned 5% water and sewer rate increase. After extended discussion and public comment, the council voted 5–2 to table final approval and requested additional information before the next meeting.
Peoples told council the manager’s original proposal included a placeholder for a 4% compensation increase; under the amended package staff reduced that placeholder to 3% plus a 1% career development increase effective Jan. 1, 2026. He said a one‑cent tax cut (from…
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