Gastonia City Council Meeting - June 17, 2025

The Gastonia City Council met on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Gaston County Courthouse Public Forum Room. The meeting included recognition of summer interns and Citizens Academy graduates, a proclamation for Canine Companions LTD, a presentation on the Fourth of July celebration, public comment, committee reports, and the adoption of the FY 2026 budget and fee schedule.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 12 consent agenda items unanimously, including:
  • Proclamation for National Pollinator Week (June 16-22, 2025) and recognition as BEE CITY USA affiliate.
  • Final recording plat for Wilson Subdivision Map 1.
  • April 2025 monthly financial report.
  • Resolution to sell an easement to NCDOT for $500.
  • Recognition of asset-forfeiture funds ($26,590 total) with budget amendment.
  • Budget amendment for GASB compliance ($1,156,785).
  • Revenue recognition from surplus sales and insurance ($174,395).
  • Engineering contract with Kimley-Horn for Safe Streets 4 All grant ($435,000, 80% federal, 20% local).
  • Amendment to litter removal contract with Staff 360.
  • Agreement with Commonwealth Development for LIHTC development Enclave at Forest Heights using HOME funds ($375,000).
  • Amendment with Asplundh Tree Expert ($500,000 for FEMA debris clearing from Hurricane Helene).
  • Five-year contract with Toshiba Business Solutions for printer services ($91,500/year, total ~$457,500).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stephanie Franks (resident, CFO of King Law, CPA and real estate broker) criticized the FY 2026 budget, stating the city does not have a revenue problem but a spending problem. She noted a 57% increase in the budget since 2019 while population grew ~10%, and highlighted her own property tax increase from $2,700 (2019) to over $4,000 (2024). She urged more transparency, earlier public review, and called for cuts. She cited a response from Councilman Curlin acknowledging the need for earlier budget access.
• Mike Cambrella thanked council for postponing the budget vote and commended them for questioning the manager's wish list. He suggested further cuts beyond the proposed $1 million, and questioned whether the city actively seeks more sponsorships for events like Fourth of July.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation for Canine Companions LTD (Item E.1): Recognized organization for supporting veterans with service dogs. Presented by Councilwoman Stepp. Accepted unanimously.
• Introduction of Summer Interns (Item F.1): Six interns introduced: Paxton Ballard (UNCC civil engineering), Mason McVeety (UNC Chapel Hill MPA/MSW), David Stewart (App State public administration), Ben Bogle (UNC Chapel Hill MPA, Gastonia native), Michelle Thomas (UNC Wilmington marketing). Working on fire department history, senior advisory council research, schematic digitization, and economic development mapping.
• Recognition of Citizens Academy Graduates (Item F.2): 20 graduates recognized. Several spoke about their positive experiences, learning about city operations, and becoming engaged citizens. Participants included Dorjine Vela, Mary Tiselina, Zion McKenzie, and Gordon Scott.
• Fourth of July Celebration Presentation (Item F.3): Event Planner Christine Ingle outlined event: Friday July 4, 5-9:30 PM, fireworks at 9:30 PM (~15 min). Live music (Beth Gatlin, Emerald Empire Band). 17 food trucks, 50+ vendor booths, free activities. Street closures. Caromont Health sponsorship ($10,000 total for July 4th and Christmas in the City). Estimated 10,000-15,000 attendees. Food truck fee $35, vendor fee $25.
• Committee Reports:
  • Central City Revitalization & Housing Committee (Chair Stepp): Creation of senior advisory committee (staff to bring back recommendations on membership). Discussion of in-con service policy; attorney to bring options for modification. No action taken.
  • Personnel Committee (Chair Barber): Considering facilitated performance evaluations for city manager and attorney. Heard from consultants Martha Page and Janice Jackson (Developmental Associates); will request at least two more proposals before selecting.
• Citizen Committee Appointments (Item J.1): Appointed Lamar Burroughs for Ward 4 Recreation Advisory Commission; other appointments already confirmed at previous meeting. Approved unanimously.
• FY 2026 Budget Adoption (Item J.2): Extensive debate. Mayor Franks raised concerns about lack of time to review the budget, questioned specific line items (e.g., communications contracts, training cuts, car allowances). He argued public safety training was cut and that the budget was being rubber-stamped. Councilwoman Stepp defended the process, stating staff was available for questions. Councilman Curlin presented facts: city population grew from 66,277 (2000) to 86,218 (2025), while full-time employees remained at 956 (one less than 25 years ago). He noted Charlotte's new budget sets minimum wage at $24/hour, and 326 Gastonia employees earn less than that. He argued for full compensation as proposed. Budget passed: motion to adopt manager's recommended budget (May 6 version) with 3.5% across-the-board salary increase effective July 1, 2025, and an additional 1% available January 1, 2026 for career development program (first phase of compensation study). Vote: unanimous.
• FY 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Item J.3): Motion by Casupia for 2.5% water/sewer rate increase for residential in-city customers, and 5% increase for other municipalities and commercial customers. Passed 5-1.
• Update to 2025-2027 Goals and Objectives (Item J.4): City manager reported on progress; no presentation needed. One question about runway extension funding (still waiting on state fund release). No further action.
• City Attorney Report: Eric Edgerton noted ongoing code review; omnibus package of corrections expected next month or August.
• City Manager Report: Highlighted microtransit record of 845 rides in one day. Thanked budget staff. Recognized Dale Denton's retirement after 38 years.
• Council Reports: Councilwoman Barber thanked staff for arranging Dream Center tour; attended ribbon cutting for Fairhaven Place affordable housing (200 units, accepting Section 8 vouchers). Councilwoman Stepp also attended Fairhaven ribbon cutting; noted developer from Oshkosh, WI, connection to photographer Lewis Hine. Warned about Senate Bill 205 potentially including harmful zoning provisions. Announced she will seek re-election for Ward 5. Councilman Gallagher recounted an F3 ruck event. Mayor Pro Tem Curlin recognized Alan May (34 years at SHIEL Museum) and new company Premix (Finnish) at Apple Creek that donated $10,000 to nonprofits. Councilman Casupia thanked county for joint meeting, thanked budget staff, announced he will run for re-election in Ward 1. Mayor Franks closed with announcements including Juneteenth Festival, July 4th event, next meeting July 15.

Key Outcomes

• FY 2026 Budget adopted unanimously (mayor voted yes). Compensation: 3.5% ATB July 1, 2025 + 1% Jan 1, 2026 for career development (first phase of compensation study).
• Fee schedule passed 5-1: residential in-city water/sewer increase 2.5%; commercial and out-of-city 5%.
• Consent agenda approved unanimously (12 items).
• Citizen committee appointments approved: Lamar Burroughs for Ward 4 Recreation Advisory Commission.
• Proclamation for Canine Companions LTD approved.
• Upcoming: Next regular meeting July 15, 2025 (only one meeting in July due to holiday).

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