Kannapolis budget hearing draws sharp opposition over proposed CK Rider cuts

Kannapolis opened a public hearing June 8 on proposed modifications to its FY27 general fund budget as city staff described a narrow set of changes and dozens of residents urged the council to reverse proposed transit cuts.

Ms. Jones, the staff budget presenter, told the council the revised general fund stands at about $89.8 million, a $51,496 net increase from the version shown in early May after a stronger-than-expected sales tax month. She proposed reducing the Suwanee Theatre’s general fund subsidy from $469,983 to $200,000 by trimming talent, concessions and part‑time staffing lines and by assuming $50,000 more in theatre revenue. The presentation also showed a negotiated Odell Volunteer Fire Department contract reduced by $168,000 to a $500,000-per-year agreement rate‑locked for three years and an increase of $520,000 in a special expenses line to set aside debt service for fire protection and a western police satellite location.

Those technical adjustments prompted an extended public response focused on a separate, more contentious element of the budget: proposed reductions to CK Rider transit. Brad S. Frye said the council’s proposal to eliminate the brown route and weekend service would cut access to jobs and essential services and urged the council to "restore full CK Rider funding." Frye noted that the city previously pursued special annexation authority (Senate Bill 63) and has invested millions in development while reducing transit service for residents who rely on it.

Darrell Hinnant, who reviewed the overall numbers during public comment, said the transit reduction amounted to a $669,000 cut and warned the changes would increase homelessness, hunger and poor health in Kannapolis. "You have ended weekend bus service completely after July 1st," Hinnant said, criticizing the budget priorities and seeking clarity about investments in a welcome center and museum that he said would cost $2 million.

Several speakers gave personal accounts of the impact of route eliminations. Tricia Douglas, who lives on the brown route, said she cannot drive and depends on the bus for basic trips; Michael Cole described how his 20-year-old son, who is neurodivergent, relies on the brown route to get to work. Larry Penalosa said the brown route "is filled to the brim with people that go to work" and warned that removing it would "dismantle the backbone of this community." Anita Massey, a school employee and pastor, said her students and colleagues depend on the route and urged council to retain funding.

Speakers repeatedly questioned why entertainment and development-related spending would be preserved while transit for low-income and transit-dependent residents would be cut. Justin Luther and Willie Rasheed, among others, framed the issue as one of equity and public health, urging the council to prioritize people who cannot afford other transport options. Several commenters cited outside analyses or transit commission notes to argue that microtransit or on‑demand proposals would be more expensive than fixed-route service.

Mayor George Douglas Wilson closed the hearing without council action; the matter will return for formal consideration at the council’s next meeting in two weeks. City Manager Melton said staff had nothing further to add that evening.

The council did not vote on the budget at this meeting. Next steps: council members will review public input and proposed budget changes and may vote on adoption or amendments at the subsequent scheduled meeting.