The Gastonia City Council met Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Mayor Richard Franks presided; Councilwoman Donyel Barber gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilwoman Step was excused because of an emergency. The council unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes of the April 13, 2026 special meeting and April 21, 2026 regular meeting.
The council approved all 11 consent items unanimously without questions. The consent agenda included: a water/sewer rate study contract with Garver LLC for $125,865; acceptance of water/sewer maintenance for Village at Cramerton Mills Phase F Map 3; the March 2026 monthly financial report; $40,000 in Drinking Water/Wastewater State Reserve Program contingency funds for the Long Creek WWTP piping replacement project; equipment purchases including an asphalt patching hot box and sewer jetter from ISG totaling $162,022.40, a Transource flusher truck for $204,785.02, an Amick automated side loader refuse truck for $340,817.02, three Comer mini excavators for $251,589.78, and an Excel Truck Group dump truck chassis for $119,107.00; acceptance of $26,405 in NC Department of Public Safety mutual aid funds with budget amendment 2620045; and a five-year data protection/disaster recovery solution from Advanced Network Management Inc. for $903,679.08.
Kristy Crisp, Economic Development Director, presented a request to amend the Project Precise economic development agreement. The amendment extends a start date in the agreement from 2026 to 2027 because Gaston County is pursuing a state building reuse grant; city staff said it does not change the city's grant payment. Council closed the public hearing and unanimously approved the amendment, with details to be negotiated by city legal staff.
Randi Gates, Transportation Director, presented the application for federal fiscal year 2022 FTA Section 5307 funds. The federal apportionment is just over $2.9 million, matched by nearly $2 million in local funds, to be spent over city fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Operating expenses would be 50/50 federal/local; rolling stock, security, and preventive maintenance would be 80/20. One percent of the grant would go to security lighting. No one signed up for public comment. Council unanimously approved the resolution.
Randi Gates presented a proposed fare increase effective July 1, 2026: regular fare from $2.50 to $3.00, reduced fare from $1.25 to $1.50, plus a distance-based surcharge for rides over five miles. Outreach included more than 10,000 GoGastonia account holders and 208 survey responses; many respondents opposed or strongly opposed the fare increase and surcharge. Public comments read into the record raised affordability, wait times, and reliability concerns. Staff estimated about $71,000 in additional fare revenue, $14,200 from the surcharge, and $85,000 total, against a current cost of $16.35 per ride with a local share of $7.30 per ride. Staff requested no formal action; council closed the public hearing and indicated the proposal would be considered in the FY2026-27 budget/fee schedule.
City Manager Michael Peoples presented a $378 million proposed budget with no property tax increase, keeping the rate at 47 cents per $100 valuation. It includes 3.5% across-the-board raises effective July 1, 2026, plus 1% career development pay; four new general fund and four new enterprise fund positions; about $1 million in facility improvements; $1 million for public safety radios; and planning for Fire Station 9. Proposed fee changes include a 7.5% water/sewer rate increase (about $6 per month), a $2 per month solid waste fee increase, GoGastonia fare changes, and a planetarium ticket increase. Electric rates would remain stable using the rate stabilization fund. Council members commented: Councilman Silverman called the budget balanced but raised affordability concerns; Mayor Pro Tem Gallagher praised the compensation increases and stable tax rate; Councilwoman Dreher said hard choices and rate increases were needed. Council discussion also covered per-person GoGastonia fares, federal subsidies, airport fees, ballpark revenue, and the use of retired city employees at Caramont Health Park. Public commenter Mike Tamarella criticized a 22% spending increase and asked for 1% cuts in every department. Council closed the public hearing without adopting the budget; adoption was scheduled for June 2, 2026.
Council members reported on community events: Chief Welch's retirement and Chief Best's promotion; a Ghost Peppers home opener sellout; Shred Day with 450 cars; a Cinco de Mayo celebration; a Howland Neighborhood cleanup collecting 88 pounds of trash; the youth art show; a STEM festival; and the citizens recognition banquet. The mayor announced the next regular council meeting on May 19, 2026 at the Gaston County Courthouse and other upcoming city events.
City Council and myself, welcome to the May 4th, 2026 meeting. I will now call the meeting to order. Councilwoman Barber, would you lead us in the invocation? Yes, those who are inclined to pray, if you will bow with me at this time. We come to offer thanks for the opportunity to live and see a brand new day. As we assemble to discuss and handle the business on behalf of the citizens of the city of Gastonia, we offer thanksgiving for those who have gathered and tuned in online, taking interest in the well-being of our great city. I come asking for wisdom, knowledge, and a sound mind for the members of this council as we make decisions on behalf of our citizens. I pray for our staff who are engaged in high-risk jobs, keep them safe as they serve and protect our city in many different ways. God, I ask you to keep them safe and healthy. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God with liberty and justice for all. And with you, Mr. Mayor. I need to have a motion to excuse Councilwoman Step. So moved. She had an emergency. Can I have a second? Second. Have a motion and a second. All those in favor, it's unanimous. Each of you should have an agenda in front of you. Are there any corrections, additions, or deletions to the agenda as presented? Having heard none, can I have a motion to accept them? I move that we accept the agenda as presented. Can I have a second? Second. Have a second by council mayor pro Tim Gallagher. In front of you, should also have two sets of minutes. Special meeting city council, April 13, 2026. Regular City Council meeting, April 21st, 2026. Can I have a motion to approve? Some motion made by Councilwoman Dreer. Can I have a second? Second. Second by Councilman Silverman. Skip the last one. Mr. City Attorney. I'm sorry. All those in favor? It's unanimous. Dimitri. Next up, we're gonna have a proclamation recognizing May 17th, 2026 as First Baptist Church of Gastonia Day in honor of its 150th anniversary. 150th. That's a long time. And for all the good that you do. The recipients are Reverend Jonathan Bryson, Senior Pastor, Miss Patty Black, Deaconette Chair, and Mr. Sam Robinson, Deacon and Councilman Casupius will be the presenter. Thank you, Mr.