Kinston Council continues annexation process

The Kinston City Council kept the annexation process rolling Monday, even though residents of the affected area filled the council chambers to express their opposition.

"The only thing I ask is that you, as a body, allow me to vote on this situation," Stewart Smith told the council.

Smith is a resident of Crestview, one of a handful of residential areas and businesses bordering the west side of the city, which Kinston officials want to annex.

The council passed a Resolution of Intent last month to begin the process and the members heard a summary of a report, read by planning director Tommy Lee, that city staffers have spent the past 18 months compiling.

That annexation report indicates what services the city will provide the annexed areas, including sewer, water, power and fire and police protection, the costs of providing service and how much revenue the city will gain from those areas.

During his remarks, Lee said cities do not involuntarily annex because they want to, but because they have to.

"If cities don't grow, they die," he said.

The report indicated that the city will gain $628,000 in annual tax revenue and utility fees - if all properties connect to the sewer system - from the total 501-acre area and it will cost $494,000 a year to provide all services.

The council had to hold a second vote on the resolution and vote to accept the report. Both passed 3-2; Councilmen Will Barker and Jimmy Cousins, who voted against the resolution before, also voted the same way Monday.

"Just remember, and I think I can speak for all of us, we do care about all of you," Councilwoman Alice Tingle told the residents.

The resolution passed Monday opens a several-month public comment period. City officials will hold a public information session April 8 and a public hearing May 4. The annexation is expected to take effect July 31, if approved.

"I know Kinston says it is on the way, but I pray that Kinston leads the way," resident Robert Spruill said.

David Anderson can be reached at (252) 559-1077 or danderson@freedomenc.com.

City Council meeting highlights:

-The council voted 3-2 against an ordinance to allow taxi operators to place ads on the roofs, sides and interiors of their vehicles. Members debated allowing cab drivers to also advertise on the trunk and rear bumper, and asked Public Safety Director Greg Smith to bring back a revised ordinance.

-The council unanimously passed an economic development agreement granting the Mother Earth Brewing Co. $11,200 in incentives payable over three years. The company will, in return, create six jobs and invest $1.48 million. The Lenoir County commissioners approved a $14,600 agreement with the same company Monday.