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Residents urge Surf City council to hold budget town halls; one commenter questions mayor's tax-repeal promise
Summary
During public comment, Jill Miranda urged the council to hold town halls to solicit community input on the upcoming budget; former council member Jeremy Shugards praised the council but asked about the status of a campaign tax-repeal promise and announced Surf City Live moving to Holly Ridge.
Residents used the public-comment period to press the council for greater budget engagement and to raise questions about campaign promises.
"I think it would be a really good idea if you guys held town halls," Jill Miranda said, asking for opportunities to discuss budget choices beyond the three-minute public-comment format. Miranda suggested council members each identify a non-essential budget item they could consider trimming and recommended brainstorming at work sessions.
In response to the public-comment floor, Kyle Brewer, the town manager, summarized the budget timeline: department heads must submit budget items by the end of February and the council will begin detailed reviews in March, with a major review referenced for March 19.
Former council member Jeremy Shugards told the council he opposed cutting services and praised the council's work, but he also pressed elected leaders on a campaign pledge related to a tax repeal. "I'd like to know where my check is and so would the couple 100 other people that have talked to me," Shugards said, referring to constituents who expected refunds from a repeal promise. The council did not provide an immediate policy response during the public-comment period.
Shugards also announced that Surf City Live will move to Holly Ridge on Nov. 7 with organizers expecting about 5,000 attendees and thanked the council for previously hosting the event.
The council acknowledged the comments and reiterated the schedule for budget work and upcoming public engagement opportunities; no formal action was taken during the meeting.
