Gastonia City Council Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Gastonia City Council met on June 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included a proclamation for the Hunter Huss Alumni Association's 10th anniversary, public comments regarding police conduct and city spending, committee reports, and the adoption of the FY2027 budget. Key votes included approval of a $100,000 grant application for a winter weather shelter, a $50,000 increase in the HOME down payment assistance program, and adoption of the FY2027 consolidated fee schedule and annual budget.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: April 2026 Monthly Financial Report, FY2026 Half Year TDA Report, acceptance of Cramer Village Phase 1 maintenance, fund balance appropriations for dental and health insurance, recognition of insurance proceeds for damaged public art, acceptance of NCDOT sidewalk improvement funds, fund balance for Titman Road sidewalks, recognition of forestry grant, resignations and appointments to the Firefighters' Relief Board, employee health clinic co-pay increase from $3 to $5, and the Gastonia Conference Center FY26-27 budget.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lee Henderson (family member of Derek Manigault) criticized the Gastonia Police Department's handling of the January 2026 shooting death of Derek Manigault. He accused officers Cody Huffstetler and Cody Edge of using excessive force and the department of victim blaming, lack of transparency, and accountability. He called for justice and contrasted the city's response with Shelby's quick action in a similar case.
• Olivia Henderson detailed specific violations of the Gastonia Police Department's deadly force policy, stating no verbal warning, no de-escalation, and no timely medical aid were provided. She questioned why officers were returned to duty, why video angles were deemed not pertinent, and why audio selectively captured her brother. She demanded accountability and transparency.
• Peter Titus (former city solid waste employee) urged the council to upgrade garbage trucks, noting the city's growth and frequent breakdowns. He said trucks need to be more reliable and that the budget should prioritize better equipment.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation (Item E.1): Mayor Franks read a proclamation recognizing the 10th anniversary of the Hunter Huss Alumni Association for its contributions including funding field trips, paying overdue lunch balances ($2,000 in one year), awarding 23 scholarships, supporting athletics and band, and hosting tailgates. Chez Adams, founder and president, accepted and thanked the council.
• SPARC Committee Report (Item G.1): Councilman Koutsoupias reported on the May 13 committee meeting.
  • Facade Grant: Set a public hearing for June 16 for a $2,598 grant (total project $5,916) for sign improvements at 238 West Main Avenue (Viva Techies building). Approved unanimously.
  • HOME Down Payment Assistance: Approved a pilot increase from $15,000 to $50,000, using federal HOME entitlement funds. Unanimous vote.
  • Winter Weather Shelter Grant: Authorized submission of a $100,000 grant application to the Gaston County Community Foundation for the 2026-2027 winter shelter. Unanimous vote.
  • Cooling Stations Update: Due to no RFP proposals, the city will designate five public centers (Phillips Center, T Jeffers, Phillips Bradley, R1, Senior Activity Center) as cooling stations during normal hours, with no additional services. County libraries will also be available. Council discussed safety, rules, and staff guidance. No vote required; information only.
• Arts Committee Report (Item G.2): Councilwoman Stepp provided updates on grant subcommittee, public arts, and community engagement. Announced a community canvas project opening June 17 at 5:00 PM near Dirty Bull. Grants will resume in July.
• Regular Agenda – Fee Schedule (Item I.1): City Manager Peoples presented the FY2027 consolidated fee schedule. Highlights: water/sewer increase 7.5%, residential solid waste collection fee up $2 ($2.50 for extra cart), transit fare from $2.50 to $3 (reduced from $1.25 to $1.50), and a distance-based surcharge for trips over 5 miles ($1 regular, $0.50 reduced). Councilwoman Drear moved to remove the surcharge; the motion failed 3-4. The fee schedule was then approved 4-2.
• Regular Agenda – FY2027 Budget Adoption (Item I.2): Peoples presented the $378 million budget (14% increase over FY2026). General fund property tax rate remains at $0.47 per $100 valuation. Budget includes 3.5% salary increase plus 1% career development (4.5% total), $46.2 million increase, public safety (police +10%, fire +11%), parks +7%, water/sewer +17%, and capital projects. Councilwoman Barber asked about water rate needs; Peoples explained the $6 million additional revenue supports a 10-year capital plan. Councilman Gallagher emphasized public safety compensation and recruitment. The budget was adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation: Recognized Hunter Huss Alumni Association 10th anniversary; read into record unanimously.
• Facade Grant Public Hearing: Set for June 16, 2026.
• HOME Down Payment Assistance Increase: Approved (from $15,000 to $50,000) – unanimous.
• Winter Weather Shelter Grant Application: Authorized submission of $100,000 grant – unanimous.
• Consolidated Fee Schedule: Approved 4-2 (with transit surcharge retained).
• FY2027 Annual Budget: Adopted unanimously (including operating, capital, and CDBG budgets).
• Closed Session: Motion passed unanimously to go into closed session to review previous closed session minutes and consult with city attorney on pending litigation (City of Gastonia vs. NC Gas House Gang LLC) and other claims.