City Council Speech – Refuting the 4 Cent Decrease Proposal

Good evening, Council Members and fellow residents.

Tonight, I stand before you to speak the truth about the “4 cent decrease” being proposed. Let’s be clear: this is not a real solution for the people of Kinston. It is a token gesture that does little to address the real needs of our community, especially after we were just hit with higher taxes that have already stretched family budgets to the breaking point.

Let’s look at the numbers. The city has $3.4 million available. With a 4 cent decrease per $100 billed, and a total annual utility revenue of over $50 million, the city would return just $20,024 to all customers in a year. That means over $3,379,976 of the $3.4 million would be left sitting in city accounts, while families continue to struggle with high bills and recent tax increases. This is not real relief for residents.

Instead, imagine if this $3.4 million were forensically distributed with true transparency and accountability. The city could:

1. Provide a one-time direct payment or bill credit of $274 to every resident, or $685 to every household, giving immediate relief to families facing high utility costs.

2. Distribute the funds as monthly bill reductions—about $22 per resident or $57 per household each month for a year— ensuring ongoing support and predictability for residents’ budgets.

3. Create a targeted assistance program for seniors, low-income families, or those most in need, making sure the money goes where it will have the greatest impact.

   
   

Every dollar could be tracked and reported publicly, ensuring that the money goes exactly where it is needed most—into the hands and homes of Kinston residents, not just into city reserves.

If the entire $3.4 million were distributed, each resident could receive $274, or each household could receive $685. But with the 4 cent decrease, the average household would see only pennies in savings over the course of a year. Meanwhile, families like mine are struggling to pay utility bills of $300 or more every month.

Ask yourselves: Is this the best we can do for Kinston? Is it fair to offer residents a symbolic decrease while the city’s revenue grows and families struggle to pay higher taxes and rising costs?

Here’s what responsible leadership looks like:

• Use the $3.4 million to provide meaningful relief to residents, not just a token decrease.

• Invest in community programs, infrastructure, and services that directly benefit the people.

• Be transparent about where every dollar goes, and ensure that funds are not simply stockpiled while needs go unmet.

  

Unlike cities like Detroit, where every resident can see exactly what they pay per kilowatt-hour or per gallon, Kinston’s bills hide the true rates. We only see our usage and the total amount due, not the actual cost per unit. This lack of transparency makes it impossible for residents to understand or challenge rate increases, and it raises serious questions about how our utility money is being managed.If the council is serious about serving the people, the first step is to make our bills clear and honest—show us the rates, show us where our money is going, and give us a real say in how these funds are used.

Before you vote on this proposal, I urge you to demand a full forensic audit of the city’s finances. We need to know exactly where our money is going, and whether this plan truly serves the best interests of Kinston’s residents. Do not rush to approve a measure that does little for the people and much for the city’s bottom line.

We deserve real answers, real relief, and real leadership. Let’s use this $3.4 million to make a difference for every resident—not just to pad the city’s accounts.

Thank you.