⚡ Kinston Paid Off $3.4 Million in Utility Debt—So Why Aren’t Our Rates Dropping?

The City of Kinston recently paid off a $3.4 million utility debt—a major financial milestone. But in a city of just 19,000 residents, where 12,400 utility customers are still paying inflated monthly bills, the question must be asked: Where’s the relief?

As a community organizer and candidate for city council, I—Quarla Blackwell—am calling for transparency, accountability, and a fair return to the people who funded this payoff.

🧮 Forensic Breakdown: What Could Customers Actually Save?

Let’s assume the debt was paid using revenue collected from utility customers. Here’s how that $3.4 million could be redistributed:

• Total debt paid: $3,400,000

• Total utility customers: 12,400

• Potential savings per customer: $3,400,00012,400=274.19\frac{3,400,000}{12,400} = 274.19$ That’s $274 per customer.

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This could translate to:

• A rate reduction of $22/month for one year, or

• A one-time credit of $274, or

• A multi-year rate freeze to offset inflation and rising energy costs

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But instead of meaningful relief, residents were offered a 4-cent decrease.

Yes—four cents.

😡 Four Cents? That’s an Insult.

Let’s be clear: a 4-cent rate reduction is not a solution. It’s a slap in the face to people who’ve struggled to pay their bills, watched their utilities climb, and been told to “tighten their belts” while the city hands out raises.

Just weeks ago, city employees received a 5.66% cost-of-living raise. That’s thousands of dollars in increased pay across departments—while residents get pennies.

This isn’t equity. It’s exploitation.

🕵️‍♀️ Where’s the Oversight?

• Was the debt paid using reserve funds, ratepayer dollars, or federal aid?

• Why hasn’t the City Council held a public hearing on rate adjustments?

• What safeguards are in place to prevent future utility debt?

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The silence is unacceptable. People deserve to know how their money is being used—and how it can be returned to them.

📣 Call to Action: Give Customers the Best Deal

I, Quarla Blackwell, demand that the City of Kinston:

✅ Conduct a public audit of how the $3.4 million was paid

✅ Release a rate impact analysis showing potential savings per customer

✅ Hold a community forum to discuss future utility planning

✅ Implement a rate reduction or credit program to return value to customers

✅ Mandate itemized receipts for all utility-related expenditures

✅ Create a transparent policy for debt payoffs and customer benefit

This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about justice. If the debt is gone, the burden should be too. If the city can afford to eliminate $3.4 million in liabilities, it can afford to give something back to the people who made it possible.

Four cents is not a thank-you. It’s a mockery. And I won’t stop until residents get the respect—and relief—they deserve.