Winston-Salem City Council Meeting - February 3, 2025

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 101 North Main Street. Mayor Allen Joines called the meeting to order with all nine council members present. The meeting included a consent agenda with ten items and three general agenda items: a property revaluation presentation, adoption of a city council code of conduct, and consideration of a state grant for the NASCAR Cook Out Clash event. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (8-0): Ten items were approved without discussion, including:
  • Approval of Committee of the Whole and City Council minutes from January 21, 2025.
  • Resolution supporting Winston-Salem Transit Authority's FY25 Bus Facilities and Low Emission Grant Application.
  • Resolution recognizing intradepartmental collaboration to facilitate natural areas in city parks.
  • Resolution authorizing amendment of the interlocal agreement with Lewisville, NC for zoning enforcement.
  • Resolution extending time for Wynnefield Properties to close on the Lofts at Motor Road affordable housing development.
  • Resolution to enter on-call agreements for construction engineering and inspection services.
  • Resolution declaring city-owned equipment surplus for auction.
  • Ordinance amending the FY2024-25 budget.
  • Ordinance amending Article IV of Chapter 2 (Administration).

Discussion Items

• G-1: 2025 Property Revaluation Presentation – John Burgiss, Forsyth County Tax Assessor and Collector, presented the 2025 countywide reappraisal. Key points:

  • Forsyth County reappraises every four years; the 2025 reappraisal brings all property to 100% of fair market value to ensure fairness.
  • There are 165,000 parcels in Forsyth County, approximately 98,000 within Winston-Salem.
  • Over the last four years, 30,600 qualified sales were analyzed; assessment levels for residential properties were as low as 63% of market value before adjustment.
  • The reassessment increased values significantly: 61,000 Winston-Salem properties saw increases of 40% to 100%, and some areas (e.g., condominiums) experienced up to 300% increases.
  • Approximately 3,000 value-pending notices will be issued for properties requiring further review.
  • Notices were mailed February 1; informal appeals due within 30 days; formal appeals deadline is last business day in June.
  • Tax relief programs for seniors (age 65+, income under $37,900) and disabled veterans were outlined. The most common senior exemption reduces taxable value by up to 50%.
  • A new online Tax Property Portal was launched for easier access to assessment data and appeals.

• G-2: Resolution Approving Code of Conduct for the City Council – City Manager William Pate introduced the code, resulting from strategic planning sessions. Councilmember Barbara Hanes Burke opposed, arguing the code is redundant (state law and ethics training already apply), not legally binding, and unenforceable; she cited an October 2024 incident where a council member's conduct was legally defended using city funds, creating inconsistency. Councilmember Robert C. Clark supported the code, stating it sets a personal standard for respectful, professional discourse. The resolution passed 6-2, with Burke and Councilmember James Taylor Jr. dissenting.

• G-3: Consideration of Items Related to North Carolina Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund – Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe explained the state-established grant program for large-scale events. The city co-applied with NASCAR for the Cook Out Clash held at Bowman Gray Stadium. The state awarded a grant covering 80% of qualifying expenses up to $2 million, with no local match required. The city’s role is to verify expenses and provide reporting. Council ratified execution of the grant agreement and approved a budget amendment to appropriate the maximum $2 million for pass-through to NASCAR. The motion passed unanimously (8-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (8-0).
• Code of Conduct approved 6-2 (Burke and Taylor opposed).
• NASCAR Major Events Fund Grant approved unanimously (8-0).
• City Manager Update highlighted: successful strategic planning workshops; upcoming Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Walk of Fame nominations (due Feb 28); Black History Month events (Feb 5, 13, 20); Community Roots Day tree planting (Feb 22); and a Housing Summit (Feb 27). Ben Rowe reported the Cook Out Clash weekend was a sell-out both days, with no complaints received; all city departments contributed to event support. Economic impact data is pending. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.