Gastonia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gastonia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY2028 Budget Planning Calendar
The city established its roadmap for drafting the upcoming fiscal year's budget, incorporating early public meetings to address potential tax revaluation questions.
Purchasing Policy and Bidding Threshold Updates
The city raised its informal competitive bidding threshold from $3,000 to $10,000 to streamline procurement and prepare for new financial software. It also added a provision allowing the City Manager to waive bid bonds for certain formal goods purchases.
FY 2027 City Budget and Fee Schedule Adoption
Gastonia approved a $378 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, holding property taxes steady at 47 cents while raising water and sewer rates by 7.5% to fund major infrastructure needs. The package also includes modest fee increases for solid waste and transit.
Opposition to State Property Tax Legislation
Gastonia joined over 30 North Carolina counties and numerous municipalities in passing a resolution opposing proposed state legislation that would limit local property tax growth and threaten essential public services.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget
The City Council reviewed a $378 million proposed budget that holds property taxes flat at 47 cents but includes proposed increases in water, sewer, and solid waste fees. Residents face cumulative cost pressures, though officials emphasized targeted investments in employee salaries and infrastructure.