City Council - Regular Meeting

On behalf of everyone behind uh the 50 and 10 affordable housing initiative and there are a lot of us uh I want to warmly welcome you to this groundbreaking

I would like to call to order the May 11, 2026 meeting of the Greenville City Council. I am Mayor Pro Tim Tanya Foreman and we'll be presiding over tonight's meeting. Council member Hardy will provide the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us here today. We ask for your guidance, wisdom, and unity as we begin this meeting. Help us to listen with open minds, speak with honesty, and work together with purpose and respect. We also take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of those graduating from East Carolina University. We thank you for your for their hard work, perseverance, and the support of their families, friends, professors, and mentors who helped them reach this milestone. As they begin their new chapters in life, grant them confidence, integrity, and the courage to lead and serve others well. bless this meeting and everybody here present today. May our decisions reflect wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in our community. Amen.

Amen.

To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Yes, ma'am. Mayor Connelly has let us know he will not be attending this evening. Mayor Pro Tim Foreman here. Council member Jones here. Council member Hardy here. Council member Scully here. Council member Robinson here. Council member Willis here. May prom, you have a four. Thank you. We will move on to the approval of the agenda. Mr. Manager, are there any recommended changes? I have no changes. Mayor Portim.

Motion to approve. Second. Motion made by council member Hardy, second by Council Member Robinson. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. Motion passes. 6. Now on to our public comment period. The public comment period is a period reserved for comments by the public. Special. Oh, special recognitions. Okay, thank you. I was going to skip it.

All right. Like to ask Don Octagan and Deputy Chief Ky Thomas to come forward. Tonight it is my honor to recognize both Dant Otigan and Deputy Chief Kazy Thomas for the graduation from the UNCC School of Government Municipal Administration course. The course uh through the UNCC School of Government spans 7 months and involves approximately 160 hours. That's a lot of hours right there. 160 hours of instruction, reading, and casework. The course is designed for managers and officials whose responsibilities require an understanding of the functions beyond individual areas of specialization. Municipal officials must apply for the course and be accepted in order to participate. The course says here is demanding a pretty demanding and requires a substantial amount of commitment of time and dedication to learning. Major subject areas are local government law, organization and management, my favorite, finance and budgeting, public employment law, planning and regulation of development, and municipal and county services. Participants must meet attendance requirements and complete the quizzes and assignments in order to graduate. And again tonight, I am pleased to recognize both of you for not only the outstanding work that you

uh do every day, but also your commitment to advance your professional career, not only for the city of Greenbull, but also most importantly for the citizens of our community by completing this course. There is no doubt it will allow you to be able to fulfill your duties much more efficiently for the city of Greenville after completing the courses. So again, congratulations Now on to the public comment period. Uh the public comment period is a period reserved for comments by the public. Items that were um were or are on the schedule to be the subject of public hearings conducted at this meeting or another meeting during the same week shall not be discussed. A total of 30 minutes is allocated with each individual being allowed no more than three minutes. Individuals who registered um with the city clerk to speak will speak in order of their registration until the time is allocated. Um if time remains after all persons who are registered have spoken individuals who did not register will have the opportunity to speak until the 30 minutes has expired. Madame clerk our first speaker.

Yes ma'am. First speaker is Miss Marian Blackburn. The council from the public podium. Hey Marian. Hi everybody.

Um good evening uh Mayor Pro Tim Foreman, members of the council, and of course city staff. I'm Miriam Blackburn and I live in the River Hills neighborhood. I have a couple of matters that I'd like to uh uh speak with you about tonight. Uh the first is when we discussed the annexation on Man Farm Road off 10th Street. And I know my peers up here remember that very well. Uh with its commercial plans for a strip mall in a tropical smoothie. Many of my peers on the council expressed their concerns and I too objected. The community also spoke about the beautiful stand of heritage trees that the developers would most likely cut to the ground. Indeed, Greenville's Tree Coalition and many other people reached out to us specifically to share their fear that the Leland Cypress trees, which look to be maybe a hundred years old, would be failed. Sadly, that has happened. These beautiful Leland Cypress trees have been hacked down. They now lie on the ground or have already been removed. Indeed, they fell before any other activity other than surveying took place on the lot, making appear making it appear that someone was in a hurry to get them down. Seeing them gone, I'd like to ask the me your members of council and our city staff to fulfill its pledge to the people of this community and work to preserve our trees and existing foliage. I understand, we all understand the state legislature has tied our hands, but we can use incentives and we can work with property owners and developers to keep more existing trees intact and not cut to the ground. And sadly, when we when we have a a an area like this that has now lost its heritage character, we are losing to places like Wilmington. You drive through Wilmington and you see their trees, their heritage trees. They're

covered in Spanish moss and you really have a sense of place in Wilmington. And whenever I see a feature like this of our city destroyed, I say to myself, these are visitors, residents, and industries that we're lo losing to other communities unless we embrace who we are who we are and cherish it and preserve it. The second matter that I'd like to share with you all tonight has to do with our bus shelters. It's budget se season and I know our city manager has many demands for our limited funds. Uh at the same time, I'm asking this council and our staff to press harder to get those shelters in place. I see people waiting in the rain and while that's heartbreaking, at least with rain, you think to bring your umbrella. What truly crushes me is seeing people standing in the blazing sun. No trees, no overhang, nothing. Sure, they could bring an umbrella, but already they're having to carry so much for whatever errand or appointment that they have. Are we really asking are we really asking every bus rider to carry their own shelter, too? So, I in conclusion, I'm asking for our city manager, our city staff to make these bus shelters a priority. And by the way, I do not mind paying my taxes to the city of Greenville because I know how well it's run and operated and I appreciate uh my tax dollars being used for projects like this one. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, Marian. And I agree with you with the bus shelters, madame clerk. Our next speaker. Yes, ma'am. Next speaker is Miss Sanita Tawari. You've got three minutes to address the mayor and council. Good evening, council and community.

My name is Sangita Tawari and I'm here to speak on behalf of the Down East Community Tennis Association. We're a local USA community tennis association and I'm serving as vice president under President Rodney Bailey. Our mission is to serve our community by promoting health and wellness through the love of tennis. We're a volunteer-led nonprofit organization that supports programs that grow the game of tennis in Pit County. We advocate for, coordinate, and help maintain tennis opportunities for players of all ages and backgrounds. Our guiding principle is accessibility, ensuring that tennis is open to everyone, tennis for all. First, I'd like to thank you for proclaiming May as National Tennis Month. The proclamation states many of the health, social, and educational benefits of our sport. Experts believe that tennis's unique blend of physical, cognitive, and social challenges contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that tennis players live almost 10 years longer than sedentary peers. Tennis offers a full body workout as it alternates between intense bursts of movement and brief periods of recovery. And tennis is also cognitively demanding and naturally social. It's a sport that exercises your brain and buffers against isolation. I like to compare it to chess with movement and can personally attest to the fact that some of my oldest friends here in Greenville started as tennis partners. Second, I'd like to thank Don Octagan and recreation and parks for allowing us to participate in their wreck and roll events. Events like Wreck and Roll give us the perfect platform to introduce tennis to a targeted youth audience and to share these life-changing benefits with the community. It has been a joy to get out there and share my sport with energetic and curious children. A simple

field turns into an active teaching and joyful tennis court. And before I close, I'm excited to share that Greenville will host the USA North Carolina State Championships for players 65 and up. From May 14 to 17, 69 teams from across the state will compete at four clubs in Winterville, Greenville, Snow Hill, and Wilson. We invite council members in the community to come watch a few matches. You'll see the energy, camaraderie, and health benefits of tennis on display. We're excited to continue supporting Greenville's efforts to promote active, healthy lifestyles. DCTA is committed to expanding tennis opportunities for juniors, adults, seniors, adaptive players all across Pit County. And we look forward to future collaborations that help more city residents discover the lifelong sport of tennis. Anyone interested in learning should go to try.net. Here are a few fun facts to leave you with. Tennis has grown over 50% in the last six years

and that's time and the US Open is the largest single sporting event in the world with over 1.3 million people attending last year. Thank you for your time. Thank you for the proclamation and all your work. Thank you. Thank you, madame clerk. Our next speaker,

Mayor Prom, there are no additional speakers, registered speakers. Okay. Well, anyone else who would like to speak during the public comment period, please come forward and state your name. Seeing none, we will close the public comment period and move on to the consent agenda. Mr. Manager.

All right. Thank you, Mayor Proim. Under consent agenda, item number two, approval of minutes. Item number three, amendment of the 2026 schedule of city council meetings. Item number four, ordinance enacting and adopting supplement number 2026-17 to the city of Greenville code of ordinances. Item number five, resolution amending the city of Greenville personnel policies. Item number six, amendment to the 2010 interlocal tax collection agreement with Pit County. Item number seven, resolution accepting dedication of rightaway and easements for man farm lot 2. Item number eight, agreement with Carolina Coastal Railway LLC to replace railroad crossings on Arlington Boulevard. Item number nine, resolution declaring two Ford sedans as surplus and authorizing their disposition to Pit Community College basic law enforcement training program. Item number 10, approval to purchase maintenance equipment for the operation of North Recreational Complex. And item number 11, approval of contract with SOV A- International Database Corporation for Procurement and Contract Management System.

Motion to approve items 2 through 11. Second. Um motion made by Council Member Robinson, seconded by Council Member Hardy. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6. On to new business. All right. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim. Under new business, item number 12, presentation of the city of Greenville fiscal year 2022-2027 proposed budget. I now call forward our chief financial officer, Jacob Joiner, for the presentation. Good evening, council members. Good evening.

We got the uh fiscal year 2627 proposed operating budget for the city of Greenville. Um to give you a little few little uh snippets to see where we got to where we are today. Uh the process really kind of started in January and that's where we had the midyear update presented to council as well as the council well was supposed to be the council planning session that got uh rearranged a little bit. Um but that's where we start looking at uh goals and where we are currently with revenues and spend for the year. Um and then in April we met and had a budget preview presented to council small groups as well as the uh class and compensation study. And in May, we'll have the full budget preview uh presented tonight. And looking ahead to June, we'll have adoption and a public hearing on the budget um at the June 9th meeting. Um the city's uh operating budget comprises of four different pieces. Uh you have the city operating funds. Uh there's also the Greenwood utility commission, the convention and visitor authority, and shepher Library. Those three will be presenting uh their budgets in more detail on Thursday night. But all told, that brings us to about $530 million. And the city operating budget comes in at just under $1955 million with about 64% of that uh comprising of general fund spend. Uh the general fund is our main operating fund. And that one comes in at just over $124 million. When we look to uh prepare a budget, the first thing we always start with is what is the city's mission? because that's what everything should go back to at the uh once we're completed. And the city's mission uh is to provide all citizens with high quality services in an open inclusive professional manner, ensuring community of progress and excellence now and in the future. Um and after the notion, we have our goals. Uh just to kind of highlight those uh goal is to build a high performing diverse organization and govern with transparency and fiscal

responsibility and tell our story to the community and region. Proactively enhance community engagement, enhance safety, wellness, and environmental responsibility. Complete public infrastructure improvements, and execute existing opportunities related to transportation networks, recreation, and parks, and storm water projects, expand the economic hub of Eastern North Carolina through proactive, responsible economic development, and job creation. Build a thriving and attractive community by creating meaningful access to affordable, habitable, and quality housing for all citizens. Expand the artistic, cultural, and recreational opportunities. and make Greenville a destination community and place for all people to call home. Um so looking through the goals and how we try to tie back all the budget to uh the goals. Um the first thing to kind of uh highlight is that we will we propose maintaining the property tax rate at 39.54. Um that is consistent with the past two years uh coming out of the reval and looking back historically continues the trend where you see the city's tax rate uh generally lowering over time. Um and that compared to other regional uh cities and peer cities that we have uh is one of the lowest in the state. Uh approximately approximately 85% of all general funded revenue uh that we take in goes right back into providing core service areas and that's our police, our fire rescue, our recreation and parks, neighborhood and business services, economic development, uh capital related debt services, facility improvements and street improvements. Uh we invest 64% of the general fund into city of Greenville employees that serve our city every day. Uh the proposed budget provides for the implementation of the class and compensation study raising all employees to 5% above the minimum of the salary bands. It provides for an average 3.25%

wage increase for all employees and provides funding to change the 401k contribution from 4% per pay period to 5%. Um and to break those out, uh some of the changes will take place July 1st with a new fiscal year. Others are proposed to take place January 1st. Um July 1st, we'll see the merit increases of an averaging of 1% pension cost increases, uh 12 new fire rescue positions, and employer side health insurance uh increases. And January 1st would see the 2.25% market adjustments, the implementation of class and compensation study, and the 401k increases. The city's budget also provides for an increase of $600,000 to cover the increased cost of fuel and parts to operate the city's fleet operations. Uh under goal two to proactively enhance community engagement. The budget provides for the creation of the uh community engagement division within community and develop development services. Includes funding for community engagement uh for the community engagement position. includes funding to expand outreach efforts to include more face-to-face communication through public meetings and door-to-door visits. Enhances community engagement by having recreation and park staff at city sponsored special events to provide upcoming offerings and gain feedback on the various services residents would like to see offered. Under goal three, uh for enhancing safety, wellness, and environmental responsibility, uh the proposed budget provides for $250,000 in funding for pedestrian safety projects around our city. provides $750,000 for 12 additional fire rescue positions as part of the 2472 schedule change and provides $300,000 in funding for medical supplies for EMS units uh due to the hospital no longer providing those for our EMS units. Uh we prov uh the proposed budget

provides for $100,000 in new funding to support ADA and sidewalk expansion uh and infill projects. that increases that budget to 500,000 uh annually and the goal is to establish a million dollar recurring budget by fiscal year 2029. Goal four, complete public infrastructure improvements. Uh the proposed budget in invests an additional $525,000 in funding to support the city's information techn uh technology hardware and software. Uh provides $400,000 for IT infrastructure replacements. It provides uh $3.5 million in annual funding for the city's payment management program. That's a $400,000 increase and provides $500,000 in annual funding for ADA and sidewalk improvements, which is a $100,000 increase. It provides $6.36 million in pay as you go funding for various capital project initiatives, 1.2 million in funding for the facility improvement program, and 5.16 million in funding for the city's vehicle replacement program. Uh it continues uh implementation of the stormwater utility plan that was approved in 2019. Uh the plan funds storm water capital project operations and preventive maintenance over the next 10 years. Under goal five to expand the economic hub of eastern North Carolina through proactive responsible economic development and job creation. Includes 500,000 for citywide economic development partnerships. It provides $20,000 in funding for the city's facade grant improvement program. And uh as a new appropriation, it provides $250,000 in funding to the PIT Greenville Airport Authority. Under goal six to build a thriving attractive community. Uh the proposed budget provides $450,000 in local funding to support the city's CBG and housing initiatives, which includes down payment assistance, coordinated entry,

construction training, rehabilitations, non- congregate sheltering, and gap funding for affordable housing tax credit projects. And it provides $300,000 in new fund in funding for the affordable housing strategic plan, which is a $100,000 increase annually from prior year budget. The budget uh provides $800,000 in funding to enhance beautifification of our city and parks. And that includes spending on contracting mowing, landscaping, street rideways, and maintenance of city facilities, including parks. Under goal seven to expand artistic, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The budget includes $100,000 in funding for the P County Arts Council at Emerge for Artists Administration and additional greenway art. provides for the wild uh wildwood boardwalk project and westside fishing peers and provides for the continued construction of the town common bulkhead project. Uh the proposed budget provides funding for the Greenville Museum of Art and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and provides for funding of Shepard Moral Library at a 4% increase in operational funding and $133,000 in capital funding and our goal to make Greenville a destination community and place for all people to call home. Uh the provides funding and support for over 50 community events. Uh some of what to highlight includes the Little League softball world series July 4th National Night Out, the youth arts festival, free boot Fridays, and the annual Christmas parade and market at Town Common. And just to reiterate, the city's budget is a strong reflection of the city's mission to provide all citizens with high quality services in open, inclusive, professional manner, ensuring a community of progress and excellence now and in the future. And now we get uh after the highlights, we'll go into kind of a little bit more of the detail particularly uh surrounding the general fund budget, which we talked about makes up most of our operational spending.

So where we start with the budget is always going to be revenues and that's where we look at and project how much we have available. Um for fiscal year 26 27 most of our revenue about 80 out of every $100 comes from four different sources and that's property taxes, sales taxes, the GU transfer in which is set by their charter and the utilities franchise tax. All told uh the estimated revenues for fiscal year 27 total $124 million. Um, and for fiscal year 26, which we are currently uh wrapping up, we had uh started with a budget of $118.8 million, and the new budget includes $5 million of proposed revenue adjustments to bring us to the $124 million. Uh those changes are reflected through $1.2 million of growth in property taxes, a $4.2 million increase in sales tax. Um, and that amount includes uh an amount that we did not expect to receive this year as well as projected growth for next year. So, it's a little bit larger than we would typically see. Uh, includes $570,000 in new revenue related to rescue transport fees and also $200,000 in new revenues related to uh just general departmental revenues that they have for fees and services spread throughout all of our city departments. Um that is offset by a million dollar decrease in investment income. Um as we spent the ARPA money that we received from the federal government which was about $24 million and with interest rates declining we have seen a dip in our investment revenue over the past year which was somewhat within expectation. We knew this was coming. So this would be just kind of getting us to where the budget should be on that side. Um so here's our uh property tax tax rate once again at the 39.54 cents. Um

and this is over the past 20 years. Uh the lowest it's been as you know it's down from a high of 56 in 2008 and we've had a continued trend of lowering tax rate every few years. Um to kind of go a little bit about what that 39.54 cent represents. um that is the tax as on every $100 of property valuation. So when you look at your house property, divide it by 100 before you multiply it by 39.54. Uh and every penny of the tax rate generates $1.2 million in property tax revenue for the city. Um so growth of the tax base, if the C tax base grew $100 million, uh we would generate $395,000 of new revenue. Um, and just to give you kind of a target number, the city has about $12 million of property value within the city. And growth of the tax base of $253 million is required to generate $1 million in additional property tax revenue. Um, so looking at tax rate, just to kind of give some perspective and where our peers are, um, Pit County, we are the lowest in the county by far. Um, the Pit County ones do include the EMS charge or tax that the county puts on everybody else in the county that the city residents do not have to pay since we provide EMS. Compared to surrounding counties, uh, Greenville is once again at the low end with Newburn just underneath us at 39 cents. And compared to our benchmark peers, Greenville is again the second lowest with Wilmington coming in uh, at 28 cents. And Wilmington does have at least double the amount of assessed value within their city that Greenville does. So there there we are just compared to everybody once again. Um so then we kind of look at sales tax is another one of

our big revenue sources that we've seen. We've actually seen significant growth in that area this year. um of the seven cents that everybody pays when they buy something in the county, 2% of that is what goes back to the county and the city on a per capita basis. And the city of Greenville, uh per capita compared to the rest of the county is about 40%. So we receive about 40% of that revenue. Um over the past uh few years we did have uh quite quite high growth prior to um 2022 outside of one COVID year. Um but then starting in 2023 we just saw a continued decrease in the amount of taxes and growth that we were seeing in the sales tax area. Um which kind of caused sales tax to be relatively flat. But we did see uh in this year a return to normal growth that we like to see for the city and the economic base. And we're projecting sales tax stats coming in at about $33.2 million this year, which is a growth from the 31.4 we had last year. And considering both of those, we are projecting next year's uh sales tax revenue to be 34.7 about $34.7 million. Um the GC GC turnover is a two-part um transfer that they make to us uh every month. Part of that is based on their um net transfer base which that is their assets minus any debt that they have uh times a 6% rate and they also refund us for uh 50% of the lighting cost street lighting cost that the city pays. Um so on the turnover side which is based on their um net assets we are projecting a decrease next year. Um that's a timing thing as they issue a large amount of debt at the end of last fiscal year. So as they spend that debt and build new things that will once again kind of bring us back to where we were in 2026.

Um so that's the uh revenues. Uh then we go kind of start looking at general fund budget expenses and we'll kind of go in detail through various areas there. Um just to kind of summarize it in total the operating funds uh will be $124 million. Half of that 124 uh is spent on public safety and that's your police and that's your fire rescue and those two come in at $61.7 million. Uh other large departments would include recreation and parks at $16.3 million. our engineering department at eight uh just under nine million and community development services at $27 million. Uh general government comprises a lot of uh centrally uh a lot of your central operations that support the rest of the city and that's uh $18.3 million and then another 15.3 million in transfers which we'll get in detail in a little bit. Um most of our spending about 63% uh is spent on personnel. So those are the people that you see working each and every day within the city of Greenville. And of those personnel, I think over half are public safety employees. Um so that's nearly two out of three invested in people. And the main thing that's kind of driving personnel budget looking into next year will be the classification compensation study uh which was adopted uh last month at the joint meeting. But just kind of highlight a few things from that study uh that are impact that we're looking at with the budget is the main thing is to make sure that the city and GC are competitive within the marketplace and that they're internally equitable and reflect market conditions. Um and looking at that is based on peer cities. Uh those include public sector peers which are other cities that the we'll compare ourselves to as well as utility peers for GU. And the main thing kind of we we saw coming out of the study was that the

city is very competitive where its pay bands where they are compared to our peers. Um listed out you can see outside of a handful of outliers. The city is generally comparable. Um city of Concord is obviously a much different economic environment than city of Greenville uh as a suburban uh area of Charlotte. But otherwise um with just one or two outliers, city is very competitive. Most of the places we weren't competitive was on the utility side, not the city side. So getting that we uh to get to the $124 million, we do go through the same side of re uh revenues of making adjustments to everything. And those adjustments will also equal $5.1 million so that we have a balanced budget. And in a nutshell, those adjustments are to fully year and mid-year pay and benefit increases, which equals approximately 4.2 million, another $2 million of other expenses, which I'll go into detail about, as well as $1.4 million of decreases, and a new allocation of $250,000 to support the Pit Greenville Airport. On the personnel side, we have the four-year uh pay and benefit increases. That includes a merit increase of 1% uh on average for employees. That would be $645,000. Pension cost increases. Uh this is mandated by the state of North Carolina and we don't have an option on whether or not we pay it. And that will cost the city $464,000. uh health insurance. Uh we are budgeting $1 million to help support our self-insured health fund uh that pays for health claims for new employee or for all employees and as well as 12 new fire rescue positions. Um we're projecting that $750,000 and the bulk of the costs are actually

going to be offset by decreases of overtime and other hours that are currently being worked by existing employees at the midyear. Uh that would be the class and comp study will be implemented. Uh that'll bring all employees to 5% above the minimum. That'll cost $535,000. Market increases of 2.25% um will be $726,000 and increasing the city's 401k contribution to 5% will be $152,000. Other expenses we're seeing the one of the one new ones that we see is EMS medical supplies and that's where we're budgeting $300,000 to stock medications on ambulance and this is driven by changes from ECU Health um because they used to provide those free of charge to our EMS units. Um, since it is a new cost that the city has really no historical uh basis for, we'll work with fire rescue to keep an eye on that and track spending on that and make sure that we are setting enough side lanes so that they're always stocked. We got fleet increases of $600,000. This is in large part due to rising cost of fuel as well as parts inflation that we've seen and also IT cost increases of $524,000. And this is just through general increasing in software and hardware cost um in that area. The city proposes increasing the amount that we contribute annually to street improvements of $400,000. This will bring that to $3.5 million. Uh and we also propose increasing our contribution to the ADA sidewalk program and the affordable housing program $100,000 each. and that will bring those two programs to 500,000 and 300,000 respectively. And we do have some decreases uh in expenses that we're proposing to kind of offset these other costs that we're

seeing. Um one of the main ones is decreasing the OPED contribution by $200,000. This contribution is to a trust fund for future OPED costs. OPED would be retirey health insurance. It stands for um other post-employment benefits, but it's the insurance that the city provides for retirees and we're able to decrease that because the trust that we invest in, we made changes to how it was invested about four years ago and we've seen tremendous returns there. Um so to help offset future costs in that area, the city does have about $14 million in a trust managed by the state. Um so we'll decrease that contribution to $500,000 annually. Um city proposes reclassifying just over a million dollars of expenses to enterprise funds. Um this main change will be moving code enforcement division to under the inspections fund and through uh various reductions and allocations to departments and other budget increases um and just general discretionary decreases. Uh the city proposes reducing the budget $149,000 and those adjustments along with the $250,000 for Pick Greenville Airport um gets us to the $5.1 million change in expenditures. And this right here is kind of a lot on the spreadsheet, but it is all those changes kind of listed out. Um and this will be a good time. I know I just like to go this I got a lot more slides to go but this is a lot of information. If there's any questions now about the general fund specifically uh we can take a moment to answer those or I can keep going question. Okay. Um so the um general fund just kind of go through a couple more uh main things just to highlight. Uh on the operating

side, we do propose spending $27 million. What that funds is $4.7 million in computer software expenses, fleet expenses, uh expenses of 4.4 million. We have a insurance expense between premiums and li um liability cost of 2.1 million, $3.5 million in utilities, $1.1 million in mowing cost. And then on public safety operations, we propose having $1.3 million for police operations and $1.1 million for fire rescue operations. On the transfers, which is the $15.3 million, uh it goes to a variety of sources. The number one source though is to pay for the city's ongoing debt service cost. Um this goes to support the current and future debt service payments uh as per our long range debt plan. Um, and this does include funding to support the $20 million in debt that we'll be issuing in July to finance completion of the town common bulkhead project in phase one of the sports complex project. And it should be noted that with that issuance, general fund money will only be paying for the town common bulkhead project and we'll be using occupancy tax dollars to pay for the debt on the sports complex. Um, $1.2 million goes to the facility improvement fund. This is split three ways. Through recreation and parks uh at $400,000 which goes and invests into um maintaining all the recreation complexes and parks that you see throughout the city. Uh $400,000 towards public works, which goes to maintaining uh the buildings that city employees work in and operate out of every day. And $400,000 towards information technology, which goes to things such as server replacements to maintain our IT infrastructure. Um, we'll be uh proposing four about

$4.3 million to the engineering capital project fund. The bulk of that is the $3.5 million to the pavement management program, $350,000 to traffic safety projects, and $500,000 to pedestrian improvements. We also have a $700,000 proposed budget to uh the CDBG and housing programs. That is partly goes to local match for the CBG and home grant funds. at $400,000, which is an increase from $375,000 this year. And the affordable housing program, and that's that $300,000 annually. And it should be noted we also have an increase um on the transit fund to 1 million from $750,000. And that is in large part due to the city uh having take over pair transit operations that were used to be run through the county and are now city operations. Um, so that's the general fund. Uh, we have another $71 million in spending in other funds uh through the city. Um, to highlight some of the larger ones, we have the sanitation fund at proposed budget of $12.2 million. Um, the one thing to highlight here is that does include year two of three and the rate increase plan that we pre presented last year and that will bring the base rate to 20.25 25 cents per month for sanitation services. Um storm water fund uh the storm water fee stays consistent at 9.35 cents per per eru and it allows for the continuation of storm water capital plan. Uh we do have a new fund uh that's been established and that's the sports complex uh operational fund and it's where we're going to account for the revenues and expenses within uh that complex and as they get started and get operational uh the fund we'll be funding

that with a mixture of usage fees and oxyax reserves until fully self-sustaining which we hope to see in year two or three. Um the health insurance fund, we're proposing a budget of $16 million. Um just some things that we've seen happening there. Calendar year 2025 did see an increase of approximately 35% in health insurance claims and that represents about $4 million. Um what some of the things I haven't seen increased premiums 10% for both employee and employer side in January and using the combination of the premium increases and one-time funding. Uh we believe this will allow the health insurance uh fund to be self- sustaining uh as we go on.

And uh Mr. Joiner, I'd like to add a couple months ago we did provide an overview to council and said we had seen a significant number of larger claims this year. uh that was well outside the norm. It was an an outlier. This is an area we'll continue to uh pay very special attention to. This year we have a million dollar increase in that budget. Uh just to know though, our our goal is to to be able to mitigate this u moving forward. But we got to pay special attention to that. That does not become the norm. So we just got to pay very close attention to that. Um and those are the uh funds that kind of highlight u all the other funds that we do the spending on. Um so in summary again general fund makes up 65 about 65% of operating funds for the city of Greenville and that comes from with $124 million budget. All in total, just under $195 million in operational spending for fiscal year 27 is proposed uh with $5 million of adjustments from the fiscal year 26 operating budget. And those are funding pay and benefit increases as well as other operations and $250,000 to the big Greenville airport. And if you if you go back to and what's very important to realize here is, you know, we talk about the fact that our our greatest asset are our employees. And you can see that 83 out of every $100 worth of increase, we are investing back into our employee base. That is a a strong commitment to to our employees. But at the same time, if you move forward, those other increases, Lord knows we have $300,000 in medical

supplies, $600,000 in in fleet expense increases. We are also increasing our street improvements program by $400,000 ADA and affordable housing, another $200,000. So, these are a lot of one-time expenses that normally we do not have to incorporate into our budget. Uh this is a very, you know, interesting year that all, you know, we just we just had a presentation to council a couple of months ago where in order for us just to maintain our streets at the current level, we need an additional $2 million a year. That $400,000 increase would allow us over the next several years, if we start if we keep increasing it at that level, to be able to meet that 200 that additional 2 million. But it's still important to know that's just to maintain the current level of funding of of conditions of our streets. We really need in order to to to move it forward, I believe Lisa was saying a good 7 million uh dollars. So there are a lot of of one-time type of expenditures in here that we're having to incorporate in to our budget, but at the same time still making our employees the number one priority moving forward. Um so looking forward uh Thursday night May 14th uh GC Shepard Memorial Library Convention and Visitor Authority and also the airport will be here to present their budget for next fiscal year. And on June 8th we'll have a public hearing and adoption for the fiscal year 2627 proposed budget and I'm here happy to answer any questions anyone has. Any questions? Board discussion.

I just want to make a comment. Um, in a tight fiscal year, what we're able to accomplish is pretty incredible. Um, some highlights for me is the sports complex. Um, continue to develop that idea, move that forward. Town common bulkhead is coming into shape and looks really great. It's really exciting. That's going to be really transformative for the riverfront and for our whole downtown, I believe. supporting the airport, the library, the arts council, the science museum, and other organizations throughout the city that are so important to our culture and livelihood of and enjoyment of our citizens. Um 12 new fire positions, a really big deal. Um street improvements, not quite up to par, but we're working towards it. Um like you're saying, we're making our people our priority, paying above market. um even in a a tough year, we're able to give raises and and get uh to a competitive place. So, we're taking care of our people. Not totally happy with that, but but we're working towards it and excited about the progress. Um sidewalk expansion. The 401k contribution continues to grow from two years ago. I think we were paying what, like $40 a pay period.

$40 $40 a pay period. And and now we're at 5%. 5% which absolutely a big deal. It's a big deal. So, that's that's really exciting. and the the Gribble Fire and Rescue. Um I continue to hear I'm in the public all the time being at Scullery. Um and that's something that I could keep getting complimented about um from our work. Um just the uh the uh the level that we're sorry, what am I trying to say? They're happy

with what we've done. they are really thrilled and um we are fully staffed for the first time in a very long time at Grimville Fire and Rescue. Um and so I'm really proud of the work that we've done um and for the quality of life that we're able to deliver our employees um and the quality of service that they're going to be able to deliver to our citizens because of that those improvements is is a really huge deal. So, so thank you to our staff for being um creative uh and responsible with our our budget and really taking care of as many things as possible. So, lots of work to do, but but thank you very much. I just want to piggyback on what uh Matt said. Uh, last week was travel and tourism week as proclaimed by our mayor. And I learned some numbers that in Pit County alone, $320 million were spent in our county for travel tourism. And that ranks us at 26 out of 100 counties. And basically, that creates 2100 jobs in our county. And that's a savings uh of $124 per person in taxes. And so if we get this sports complex, not say if when we get the sports complex up and operating, I think the feasibility study estimate between 42 and 44 million in the economy. I now understand that's probably a low number. Soon as the complex is built, I'm hearing that we're probably going to have two hotels be erected. That's probably close to $60 million in taxable assets. Hotel revenues because I think uh if I remember correctly, 2,000 a weekend for both sports on both sides bringing in about 2.5 people with them. So that's roughly about 8 to 9,000 people on a given weekend. That's hotel taxes. Then you're going to have businesses to service those people with restaurants and those kinds of things.

Retail, you're going to have hotels. So growing our city grows our property taxes, our sales taxes, and probably I'm really believe our sports complex is going to bump us from 26 down to even lower and lower our city higher and higher to the top because if we're generating 320 million, imagine if we're having sports complex weekends, 45 weekends a year, what that will do for us.

And Council Member Robinson, to that point, Jacob, can Mr. Join, can you go back to the the the sheet that had the the value of a penny and the growth? One of the most important slides uh in this presentation has to do with property taxes. And quite frankly, let's just say there's there's two ways to increase property tax revenue. It's to grow your tax base or to increase your property tax rate. And you see that at the very bottom, ju just to generate an additional $1 million in property tax takes an expansion, a growth in the tax base of $253 million. Well, our our tax revenues are increasing a million dollars. So that tells you our tax base, our our economic growth has expanded 250,000 $250 million. We are we are so fortunate. We're one of the few communities in Eastern North Carolina. We we talk about being the hub of Eastern North Carolina and that is true because our tax base is growing. The the the the key there is to to for it to grow in a smart way. I think that this council has spent a lot of time looking at that. But we we want to grow and we want to can grow in a smart way because that growth is to our operations are dependent on that growth because if you don't get it through growth, you're going to have to get through that second line item which is each penny generates $1.2 million and you don't want it to be on the backs of the taxpayer. So to your point, yes, as as these initiatives grow, the capital grows doing in a smart way that we're going to see that direct benefit back to the citizens.

And I and I believe as we do that smart growth, I know several of you and I have spoken about we just don't want to grow. We want to be structured in a way that's healthy and good for our citizens and our county and our city. But as as we grow, we see the opposite. If you look at those charts you gave our our neighboring cities and counties like example Kinston 73% tax rate and look at I'm not trying to beat up on Kinston but when you don't have that type of growth in the city council operating like we do which is great that's what happens to you and you look and see what they're offering for the return on the dollar

and you go wow and then you look at what we're doing and I I I think as we grow I really think that we can get our tax rate lower and have more revenues, but we got to do it in a structured way where we grow our city.

And to to add to this conversation, what does uh what does smart growth look like? It is the fact that in this budget, this council last this council and the prior council has appropriated now a recurring $500,000 a year to sidewalks and ADA improvements. I keep saying it and I know 10 years from now when I'm long gone and retired uh 15 years from now that one decision that this council is making to expand sidewalks and ADA improvements within our community is going to make us a more walkable community, more pedestrian friendly community, which will have direct impact on our growth. the fact that now that not only do we have the 50 and10 program that was started through contributions from the private and public sector, but now we are also putting $300,000 a year into affordable housing programs. And another one that you can't directly put a price tag on within the budget. It's there like PGO sauce. in there. But I mean, but you got to but it's the the the conversation we had about code enforcement, just the using the dollars that we have in the budget more efficiently to operate a uh a a a code enforcement program, inspection program that's that's doing right by people

also has a direct impact on smart growth. So, it's not just the dollar and cents of putting it here and there. to continue to strive to do it in a in a very positive, smart way. And that that's that's a challenge because we also know you deal with a lot of annexations that you'll we'll deal with a lot this week, but all but intentionally we have that on the the forefront of our mind is what can we do to grow in a smart way and to grow that tax base in a smart way.

I think you're right. I think I said and other members have said we can't be a great city and county unless everybody grows together all sections of north, souththeast, and west. And I think as a council, we're doing that because we're not just looking at sidewalk improvements. We're looking at improvements in housing by affordable housing, trying to make that available and improving the condition of housing that's rented. But I'm absolutely comfortable that uh the north side of the river is going to be blowing up here soon with the the north out there by Bethl that way and what's going on with Mr. beast and that stuff and industrial development over there in the sports complex. I think that's going to be a segue to make us more of a destination city. I'm excited to see what what it's going to bring. I do really believe we've been spending our dollars well because we've increased salaries. We've increased positions. We put money where we're trying to, you know, not just talk it, but actually walk it. Uh we're doing a good job and I think

we're just going to grow. I think we're on the edge of it. And this next year at this time, we will have a health clinic and pharmacy over on the north side. that we are with through partnership with ECU Health and Unshakable Builders doing New Kirk moving forward with that as we speak. Lots of good healthy partnerships. Yes,

I concur with everything that has been said from uh Matt Les and and Michael and I think that uh this is a prime example of us keeping people the priority. Um, I appreciate the fact that you guys went back to reiterate that the tax base was increasing without the tax rate increasing so that citizens understand um that we're putting them first and paying attention to that and uh the fact that we are keeping people the priority both with staff and to reiterate what you said with us addressing substandard housing and making that a priority um both with staff and the citizens of the community

and and one thing one other thing I got to add is um I heard Miss Blackburn speak of bus shelters and by no means that needs to be uh accelerated on the forefront as well. That is a that is a project that it might not be directly in here because we we are still installing the the the bus shelters as part of the first appropriation. still in the process of of of laying those out. Quite frankly, we have learned a lot through that. Right. And we we've we've learned that first of all, we don't have enough and then the quality of the ones we do are not are not enough.

That's right. So that is a uh that is something that we need to take a look at. Don't have I don't have the answer right this moment. It is something that staff will be a part of. Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Michael. Thank you, Jacob. We need action. Next item. Yeah. So, the the next step will be to bring this back. We This uh the budget is available for public viewing.

We matter of fact, we had a post the other day. It is available for the community. Hear this. It's available for uh view also at city hall. You contact our financial services department. you can get a a copy of it electronically and then we'll bring this back in June for a public hearing, make any u recommendations that council may have or take recommendation for approval. So, we've got we still got a couple months in in into this. It's not it's not done, but this is just the first pass for you to hear it. Now, you can digest it and let staff know if there's any questions that you may have moving forward. So, that is item.

So, that's the presentation of the budget. Mayor Pro Tim, the next item is item number 13, budget ordinance number 10, amending the 202526 general fund ordinance number 20,25 number 25-020 and the special revenue grant fund ordinance number 11-003. Again, call forward our chief financial officer Jacker for the presentation.

This is budget ordinance amendment number 10. Uh this will be impacting the general fund and the special revenue grant fund. Item A, recognizing surplus revenue and adjusting departmental budgets based on projected actuals. That will lead to an increase in the general fund to $440,000. Item B, appropriating fund balance for required repairs to the Arlington Boulevard railroad crossing. Uh that will increase the general fund to $199,000. We have item C, appropriating funding for the 2025 Edward Burn Justice Assistance Grant Award. Uh that will increase the special revenue grant fund by 27,700. and appropriating revenues to support small business assistance grants. And that would increase the general fund $100,000. All told, that brings the overall operating budget to $25.7 million. And we ask the council approve it.

Do we have a motion? So moved. Second. Uh motion made by council member Skullley, seconded by council member Hardy. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6. All right. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim. Item number 14, presentation providing analysis of Philadelphia ICE policies and comparative analysis for North Carolina local governments. Now, call forward our assistant city attorney, Scott Dixon, for the presentation.

Mayor Pro Tim, members of the council. How we doing tonight? Should be your last PowerPoint of the evening, I think. Um, if you guys recall, we had pretty significant public intrigue about the Philadelphia ICE model. And so, as directed by council, we kind of put something together for you guys. It's really about three components. It's pretty brief, but first is what is the Philadelphia Philadelphia ICE model? What does it encompass? You'll see it's kind of a combination of several things. Um second slight breakdown between the governing structure of Pennsylvania and North Carolina because I don't think members of the public necessarily are aware of that and it kind of illuminates some things. And then finally, kind of applicability to North Carolina and whatever limitations we have. Okay. All right. So as discussed, presentation presentation will outline currently identified Philadelphia immigration enforcement materials, including city council's 2026 ICE out legislative package, Philadelphia's existing welcoming city executive policy framework, and the Philadelphia sheriff's January 2025 policy. Uh the 2026 ICE out legislative package is a multi-ill initiative introduced on January 29th, 2026. Proposed measures listed as pending legislation rather than enacted law. I actually checked this this morning just to make sure you guys were up to date with the most recent information. It has been formally passed within about the last two or three weeks. It was signed by the mayor. Um, every aspect of it except the mass ban, but we'll get into that in a minute. It's described as barring ICE from using city-owned property as staging location for raids, barring city employees from granting ICE agents access to city-owned spaces without judicial warrant, restricting masking and concealment of identity by ICE agents, and otherwise strengthening previously enacted Philadelphia enacted welcoming city protections. Um the mass ban was thrown out. You might recall California tried to attempt something along those same lines. It was kind of thrown out in court and declared kind of unconstitutional. Philadelphia. Um that is the one component of what they were proposing in January that he did not sign. So I think their attorney advised them that was the most problematic and that's so so I think it still could become law because I think it's veto

proof how they're set up. But just know as it stands right now they were it was introduced in January. It's formally adopted within the last two or three weeks. That was the only one not signed by the um mayor. That's where we're at. Do you know what the reason behind that?

What I just stated? I think their attorney had basically advised them that the mask ban essentially is probably the most um unconstitutional in that it can be construed as discriminatory against federal agents and you're it's just preempted essentially. Um you don't get to kind of dictate what their attire is going to be or their their methodology is going to be and so um it was thrown out in California. There might still be some wiggle room in regards to how that's going to be done. But anytime there's any specific legislation done by any local government or state government that tries to dictate uh federal agents and how they conduct themselves again is legally murky and that you don't really have that authority necessarily. Um does that answer your question? Yes sir. So in other law enforcement organizations um would they be permitted to wear masks if

so? Like for instance if you guys wanted to have attire restrictions for GPD you would have some availability to do that because it's GPD. It's Greenville Police Department. Um, if you were to say Kinston police, we want to dictate what they were. You would have no authority to do that, right? It's always kind of hierarchical. We'll get to how the the state preeemption impacts it and federal preeemption, all this kind of stuff comes into play. Um, the federal government couldn't dictate what GPD officials were going to be wearing, but we also couldn't dictate what their officials are going to be. Sure. Okay. Does that kind of make sense? Yes, sir.

And again, North Carolina really simplifies this analysis, which we'll get to in a moment. But, you know, as far as constitutionality of like anti-comandeering or them trying to control, there there's some constitutional middle ground in regards to how we could kind of finagle this relationship or this this issue that I think a lot of the members of public have had issues with. Uh, but we'll see. North Carolina's kind of solved that problem for us in many respects. The second component of it was Philadelphia's welcoming city executive orders 516 and 215. This actually predates what they tried to do in 2026 in January. Uh, it limits compliance with ICE detainer requests to situations involving a judicial warrant and release following conviction for a violent first or seconddegree felony. It further states that the Philadelphia Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law and does not give ICE access to records of people currently in city custody except within executive order framework. All right. So, as you just saw, again, that involved detainer requests, which I don't know if you guys are necessarily familiar with, but that's people that are in custody and would be kind of held over for ICE essentially. This is that would all be county. So courthouse policies, detainer, that would all be whatever limitations our county has, but that's their perview. We don't have any say over that. Um, all right. Now, as it pertains to the governing structure, uh, pursuant of the first class city home rule act adopted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1949, qualifying cities in Pennsylvania were afforded the ability to self-govern with significant powers through legislation and administration. Philadelphia approved the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter in 1951, which it operates under to this day. They have a strong mayor centric system and a 17 member legislature. That is pretty common. So that strong mayor form of government is utilized by many large cities throughout the nation. I think Chicago does that as well, New York. This is in contrast to the city of Greenville. We operate under a council manager system. And North Carolina, which you're aware, you often hear described as a Dillings Rule state. So a lot of times these are kind of broken into two categories. Home rule state, Dillings Rule state. We're actually even a little more restrictive than most Dylan rule states. kind of dealing rule

plus I think is the latest guidance from school government. Um we are political subdivisions of the state and are creatures of statute. We only possess powers expressly granted to them by the state constitution. The legislature along with those necessarily implied or essential to their operation. In North Carolina, the presumption is that actions taken by local government pursuant to powers not allocated under law are presumed not to exist. So again, just kind of 30,000 foot view of this. Even if North Carolina, like our state took zero action in regards to this issue, we would be operating at kind of a disadvantage than Philadelphia is just in kind of the governing structure, if that makes sense, where there would be some gray area or there would be some wiggle room. They would be kind of given the benefit of doubt in trying to make those kind of calls and we would not we would basically be construed to be that not legal. Um, now North Carolina specific state law constraints. Now, as I just stated, if we didn't have this statute, there would still be some kind of avenues and wiggle room for you guys. We could kind of be creative in how we're going to come up with something. It might need to be tested in court. Um, but North Carolina General Statute 168 205.2, essentially known as the prohibition against city sanctuary cities, provides that no city may have in effect any policy, ordinance, or procedure that limits or restricts the enforcement of federal immigration laws to less than the full extent permitted by federal law. statute also bars cities from re uh restricting communication of immigration status information and from prohibiting city law enforcement from inquiring into a person's immigration status among other limitations. It is specifically applicable to cities in North Carolina and essentially preempts any effort by North Carolina municipalities to mirror Philadelphia policies analyzed. I've included a copy of the statute for reference on the next slide. And I've also reached out to the school of government just to have an overall kind of discussion about this. And um basically where we settled on is that that line that says policy, ordinance or procedure that limits or restricts any affirmative step that we were to take would be construed as some

type of limitation or some type of restriction. So North Carolina has essentially chosen to occupy the field and to preempt us. And I would also say as an additional caveat, there is pending um legislation right now that could wave civil immunity for the county and the city in regards to these kind of issues. It hasn't passed yet, but that's also out there in the ether. So um that's kind of where we're working with. I know I'm throwing a lot out you. We tried to kind of keep this as simplified as possible, but honestly, the analysis from a North Carolina specific standpoint, um pretty straightforward. They have occupied this field and they do not want cities to do anything or have any involvement with us. I'd be happy to answer any questions. I know we've kind of covered a lot there. Do you know what year that passed? Do you know what? When did that pass? Uh I want to say under McCory in about 2015.

Okay. I could be a year or two off. And there's also been additional I think there's been two or three separate kind of efforts in the last few years to kind of modify this or even go further with it to a degree. But essentially big takeaway, we can't do anything that would stop them from doing everything in the power that they feel like they have the power to do. And um you know that's kind of where things stand. I I think there's been some efforts back and forth with the public uh pressure in recent because obviously this this if it was 2015 under McCory that's before kind of the recent controversy in the last couple years but you know that's all there. So I I think there's been opinions on both sides but where it stands this is the law. So

the issue of civil immunity does that pertain only to immigration or does it kind of bleed into other areas? So the general rule on uh immunity as far as kind of entities go is we're pretty much immune if it's something that would be like a political administration and not necessarily something for profit as long as we don't buy insurance if that makes sense. That's about the simplest way that I can do it. So we can wave uh governmental immunity by purchasing certain types of insurance if that makes sense. Um so for instance GPD trying to do something that was lawreated. we can't civily do them um we couldn't sue them for trying to do their job but we can if it was a violation of constitutional rights like a 1983 action because government recognized and we have insurance for that type of thing if that kind of makes sense.

Um so as it stands right now if a police officer were to help out with ICE execution of like a warrant or something along those lines that would be considered a government of function. They're covered. We have insurance. They have immunity. That's what they're supposed to be doing with their their job. If for whatever you guys were to pass an ordinance that would say in controvention to that or was to say not to cooperate or whatever and let's say somebody's rights were to be violated or something were to happen, we wouldn't have that immunity if that makes sense. Now again, that hasn't passed. That's kind of just out there in the ether, but it's just an additional thing they're trying to put in there for the county and the city that would add a layer of risk essentially. Um, if that makes sense. I've had some conversations about this at the community level trying to, you know, just bring clarity and some education to uh what our actual role is as a city in uh on this topic. So in addition to the fact that there's a difference in the governing structure, um could you or Michael make it clear that of what our responsibilities are or better yet are not as a city as it relates to ICE as opposed to the county. If something were to happen, then that would be a county function.

Yeah. So I would say I mean m mayor prom I know you you do a lot of on the ground kind of work and you do a lot of work with disenfranchised members of society and I think all of you are aware the most significant component of a lot of this is usually courthouse stuff

and schools and um hospitals that's largely where the most the controversy is going to occur when I was in defense work you always have an issue of people you know they're worried about their immigration status they're worried they're going to be sent away but they have to show up for court like do you want are there going to be arrest there like it's a source of a lot of stress and anxiety for a lot of people as it pertains to city county breakdown of this. I don't think either of us really had a lot of wiggle room given this statute. I think there's kind of a mirroring statute that applies to the county in regards to this. Um, as it pertains to sheriff officials, courthouse procedures, administrative procedures, all the county.

We have no say in that. We have no responsibility in that. There's nothing we can essentially do in any way. I know. And I include this statute um in the materials, so they should be available for anybody if they have questions. But, you know, I'm hesitant to say the county can do a lot more because I really think they're pretty limited to but but they they can do more than we could essentially and and they serve in a capacity and a role that I think is more directly impacted a lot of times. Um, but it's a great question and I hope I'm not being too convoluted with the fun constitutional answers. I know you guys are getting a lot of legal stuff today. Thank you. Anybody else? Any other board discussion? I

I I think I want to also educate our public about You know, people come in here and speak things as if they're facts and they're not facts. They're they're absolutely not facts. And so, I think it's important for us as city council to become knowledgeable about what the facts are versus what

somebody comes up here and says are the facts because ICE is not targeting uh that they target people that are violent. Typically they are targeting a particular individual and they're targeting somebody often times has been deported once already and gotten back into the country and is violent and typically they're gang members. Trendy AWA MS-13 that has significant ties to gangs and gang related violence. They're not after the person that may have come here illegally and is working in some restaurant or in in in the cleaning industry or something like that. They're not targeting those people. And I think that's a misapprehension just picking up people off the street. They're not. They're targeting very specific violent people much like the ones in in Cherry Oaks that went in there and uh I'm not going to really say all the details, but a graphic torture and violation in very bad ways by illegals that don't need to be in this country.

And so the sharing of information amongst law enforcement agencies is critical to be able to capture these people because they just don't operate in one state. They operate across multiple states. drug trafficking, human trafficking, sexual trafficking, and that I'm not going to get into the the cherry thing, but that happened right in our backyard.

Well, I I think our state has taken a pretty affirmative stance of cooperation essentially. Um, and I do commend the council because I do think this is a territory where I think the public does a lot of times not really necessarily know. And just as I mentioned, you know, I mean, you had maybe what 20 members of the public come in and ask about mirroring this ICE model and it just passed. So like the the thing largely being referenced as far as an initiative taken by another place wasn't even in fact passed until the last two or three weeks. So it's like you know most the public would and you could see there was also an executive order. There was also a sheriff's policy. So it's like all these different kind of multifaceted layers to how they're trying to address this kind of polarizing issue and you come in they're like hey city council we'd like you to adopt this this ICE package. But it's like they haven't even formally done it yet. they have a different structure that's also working in conjunction with a mayor executive policy where they have a much stronger mayor and a sheriff policy. So, it's really complicated. I I think when you can present that information, it's always great. I think the more the public's aware of these kind of things and the little nuance to it, it's only helpful.

I think it would be helpful to get that information of what the protocols are for ICE so that we can educate our constituents and our city and county so that we can put people at ease. Yeah, I'm I'm in the business and I deal a lot of people and they come in and they show me that fear and I assuage those fears. You don't have anything to worry about. Yeah. Yeah. You're going to court for speed and ticket or even a DWI. No license is not going to come at the doorstep and pick and take you up out of here. It's not going to happen.

That's a big educational thing. And I think the irony is I did some homework that Philadelphia is doing this which I think is an impediment to crime enforcement. Yet they rank eighth uh in the country out of uh crime have violent crime per 100,000 people and they are the number one city for violent crime in America. Wow. The number one city.

Yet they want to do things that impede criminal enforcement. That says a lot about the city. But I don't want Greenville to be in that category personally. That's my position. And I'll say that publicly here today. I'll say it the future. But I do want to educate our citizens because I don't want anybody to have an un unrecognized fear or a fear that's not correct because that if you do have that fear and you're in that category produces stress and anxiety because I've seen it as they come in office and I try and do everything I can to assuage it and I think we as a city need to do the same thing to assuage what the fear fears are should not be and what we're really trying to do is to really target the criminals that are violent that keep coming back and and committing crimes. Like I said it's in our backyard. That's your district in it, Matt.

I mean, that was a horrible thing that's happened right here. So, we're not immune to it by any means. Well, I I I have to say that um and and I don't want to go down a rabbit hole with this, but I I think that the education on our governmental structure and our responsibilities as a municipality compared to other municipalities um is different than the narrative of what the objectives of ICE are. And so I do not want to go down that rabbit hole, but I I think that uh that you know u opinions might differ, you know, as it relates to that.

It's a really po polarizing kind of a pickides kind of thing in many respects, but I I think the the decision is out of y'all's hands, so to speak, in regards to the state kind of occup. And it's pretty clear in a lot of ways. And I and likewise, I mean, you guys spoke about short-term rentals earlier this um afternoon and I think it's equally frustrating in that kind of because it's like it's legally murky and we have a little u wiggle room, but again, we're we're operating in a state where it's it's limited government. It's limited kind of authority and you're you're out there to try to kind of take chances and make moves essentially where you can where you think you can make a difference, but they don't make it easy sometimes. I just want to make a comment, but there's no action. ministers.

I mean, I I appreciate the presentation and um there is a legitimate amount of fear and anxiety in our community. Um citizens have died in our country um because of the unprofessional

um actions of some officers in ICE. I'm not condemning the whole organization, but there is some legitimate fear and anxiety throughout our nation and our community um that should be addressed through education like this. um informing our citizens what their rights are and um and what to expect when an organization like ICE should they come to town. Um, so I I agree with a lot that you said less, but um I also just think the education needs to keep keep going because we got to tell people what to expect. Um, and keep pushing to honor every person in our community, no matter what they look like or where they're from. um you know, they all deserve honor um and respect and an opportunity to have a successful life here in our community. So,

well, again, I I really commend you guys cuz you know, I think you recall we had a few members of the public that were just like, I just want to know kind of what we can do and like what the options are. So, I mean, I think anytime you can just provide that information and clarification, it's a huge thing. So, it is. All right. Thank you, Scott. Thank you for your question.

All right. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim. Item uh next item is review of the May 14th, 2026 city council agenda. So, I ask that that agenda be displayed on the screen for the public. We give a few seconds for that to be digested. All right.

All right. Next is the city manager report. So, uh, today was the first day for, uh, our, uh, interns for the 2026 summer. And, uh, we have five lucky individuals. Okay. I think I think that over the last 10 hours or so, they have realized how lucky they are. So, um, so I tell you what, I got I got their names written down right here. I'm going to ask each one to stand and be recognized. Put a a name with a face here.

We have Lauren Twine. We have Malia Pearson. uh Ben James, Mia Palma, and then Hansford Curran and read my handwriting. Michael, will you share what areas they're working in? I tell you what, uh each one come here. Come to the That's how you do it. We'd like to be one by one. Come up to the microphone and again repeat your name. tell where you go to school, what your major is, and when you'll be graduating.

Yeah, I guess I'll go first. Hello, my name is Benjamin James, but I prefer to be called Ben. Um, I'm a senior at East Carolina University, double majoring in community and regional planning and anthropology, and this is my second summer with the city, so I'm excited to be back. And I'll be working with the planning department mainly. Uh, and just quickly, very quickly, what your project is? um focusing on annexing properties to connect to external development in the future. All right.

Hello, my name is Lauren Twine. I'm currently a graduate student at North Carolina Central University. I'll be graduating in the summer with my mers in public administration um with a concentration in city and local government. Um, currently my program, well my project I should say is focusing on community engagement and also partnering with the graphic design um to make sure that we're able to pretty much reassure the citizens of Greenville of certain things that we're focused on that we talked about throughout our city council today. Awesome.

My name is Hensford Curran. I am from Charlotte, North Carolina and I'm a student at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Um, I'm an economics major and my final project will be on the merge between the ECU public transit system and the Greenville transit system. Great.

Hey, my name is Malia Pearson. Um, born and raised in Greenville. And so I am attending P Community College where I'm working towards my associates in graphic design. Um, so I'll be graduating uh next May, so May 2027. Um, and just like Lauren said, we're going to be working a lot together, but um, making like different brochures and graphics for like tax revenue and better understanding of those types of things. So,

good evening. I'm Leia Palma. I'm a senior at East Carolina University. I'm majoring in regional and community planning. Um, and over the summer, I'll be working with the fire department to help update the emergency services plan. Thank you. Welcome. Welcome. So, we'll see how many show back up tomorrow. No, we uh we're going to have a good time. They are going to learn everything about local government, how this sausage is made, and also be able to uh work on projects that will provide true value back to our city. Good learn, good learning. So, welcome aboard and mayor protein. Go ahead.

All right. Thank you. So, we're going to move on to comments from council starting with He's still writing. So, we will move we'll start with Council Member Jones.

Good evening. Thank you. I would like to say congratulations to Mr. Don Octagon and Deputy Chief KZ Thomas on your course gradu graduation from UNCC School of Instruction. I also want to give a big congratulations to my fellow power alumni alumni, council member Seth Hardy. It was um it was also great interns. It was great hearing the great things that y'all are getting ready to do here in this city. Um, I also want to let it be known that I do stand with Marian Blackburn, her earlier statement about the bus stops and the um continued lack of shelter

and the and I I would like to also add seating and I would like to know Michael like some updates about what's going on and if we decided to remove those dividers. We did that. It was done. Okay. Awesome. Well, they will we're going to take care of Okay. Thank you. I'm going to get a wrench. Right. Uhhuh. And also, Michael, um, we spoke about some of my neighbors in another community wanting to have speed bumps placed in their neighborhood due to cars um, speeding through and their desire to keep their kids safe. So, um, I would like to have at a workshop information about um, how we get requirements for what the problems are for speed bumps and see how we can maybe work so they can get there.

Okay, I will. And I want to take a moment to recognize and honor National Skilled Nursing Care Week and the incredible individuals who make our nursing homes and skilled care facilities places of compassion, dignity, and healing. To every caregiver, no matter your title, who shows up each day with patience and heart, thank you. While the work tends to happen quietly and behind the scene, um it knows the impact you make, or should I say we make cannot be measured. I also recognize the residents and their families who trust our facilities with their loved ones, staff, family, residents. It does not go unnoticed and you are appreciated for the sacrifices that each of you make. Thank you,

Council Member Hardy.

I just want to reiterate some of my comments uh from the workshop about uh code enforcement and the rework that's happening there. Um first of all, I think it's moving in a fantastic direction. Thank you, Michael, uh for getting that ball rolling. Um, and a statistic that we saw was 7% of the case load is minimal housing standard cases. Um, there is plenty of cases to open around this city. Enough to where I think we could get it to 100% of the case load if we really wanted to. Um, but obviously we have to uh prioritize other things as well and not just uh just one kind of uh code issue. Um, but I really do want to see how high we can get that number. Um, obviously the other things is kind of low hanging fruit um with the grass and parking and things like that, but um I really do want to see our uh code enforcement division really get to working and see see how many houses and um minimal housing standards we can fix and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

Absolutely. Thank you, Councilman Willis.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim Foreman. Um, congratulations to all of our graduates this spring, including Council Member uh, Hardy on your graduation. Uh, such a momentous occasion. Um, also um, special congrats to Deputy Chief Thomas as well as Mr. Don Octagon. um everything rises and falls on leadership and so the fact that you are continuing to put the tools in the tool belt um that is wonderful to see and so um excited to see what ne what comes next from those uh endeavors. Um also uh the city is having its city planning academy. I think the applications are closed for that, but just a wonderful opportunity that um the city is giving individuals to learn more about planning and how we grow and growing with intention. Uh and then around that framework of being able to get together over a meal and I think they're going to be at the dream park recreation center. It's just a wonderful opportunity for them to be able to uh learn about planning in the city. And I wanted to save my uh comments in regards to the presentation on ICE 4 council comments. So I prepared something um and uh I appreciate um Michael you bringing it to the council for um consideration being able to educate the community. Uh we recognize the jurisdictional weight of federal and state law yet we also recognize our authority to define the spirit of our city. Our values are not negotiable. Dignity, respect, and fairness belong to everyone within our borders. We reject any atmosphere that seeks to dehumanize or target families based on their status. While we operate within the specific boundaries of the North Carolina law, those legal limits do not limit our values, nor should they. Every resident

of Greenville deserves to live with dignity and fairness. Families should never be subjected to the shadow of fear or dehumanization. We are capable of upholding our legal responsibilities while simultaneously champion championing compassion and civility. These are not opposing forces. They are dual pillars of a healthy society. It's my hope that Greenville can be a city where public trust is protected and where we never lose sight of the humanity behind the policies. That's all I have. Thank you, Council Member Skull.

Thank you very much, Council Member Willis. Um, thank you, Mayor Pim, for the opportunity. Uh, happy graduation, everybody. Congratulations, Seth. Uh, we had some really great team members at the Scholar graduated as well. Loi Lynch, Megan Markley, and Nicole Jordan all graduated this spring. Uh congratulations to them and all the other folks throughout our community. Thank you, Seth, for that blessing before our meeting uh for all of them. This is really nice. Uh pray for them as well for success and happiness um in whatever challenge they face next. Um and happy Mother's Day to all of our moms, especially my wife Aaron. Um, happy heavenly mother's day to my mom. Um, and thank you very much for shout out to caregivers. Um, you know, uh, they are so important. They took care of my mama in her final days and, um, just so thankful for you and, um, people like you who choose to make a career, uh, serving others, especially those that need it most, those that are in their final days, who need help, uh, with their daily lives. So, thank you so much. Thank you, Mayor Pim,

Council Member.

Thank you. I want to just reemphasize to Council Member Jones, caregivers are amazing people. They're they're dealing with you, and often times in the uh great physical disabilities, sometimes mental health disabilities, and oftentimes the the last couple of years of your life. I we had one in my mom and dad's life and my in-laws life for a total of seven years over the course of four different parents, and I they become a member of the family. uh they're super super great to to what they do for the people. So congratulations on that and certainly a big honor to have as as we honor those people because they do something that oftentimes they're not somebody close by. We were still close by but still had our caregiver that we considered basically a member of our family. She had been with us for seven years. So congratulations on that. Seth, congratulations. you know, uh, going through college and and it seems like it goes slow sometimes, but I promise you it's gone quick and as time passes, the time will pass quick, the day will be slow. Uh, congratulations to my daughter. Also, as you know, congrat uh, graduated this weekend at NC State and she's going to working at Peter Malar, so we might be able to get some clothing discounts. Uh, and also those who graduated, I think UNCC had their graduation as well as ECU and also NC State. and any others that uh graduated. Congratulations. It's a wonderful time to go through college and experience that. And Seth, you kind of jumped up and got on this city council thing and you know, you're the first one this this been on the city council that graduated from college. So, congratulations to you on that. Uh I think we are absolutely as a council moving in the sorry

graduated while on council. Um, I'm excited about the code enforcement. It's something that's long overdue in all sections of our city.

Uh, and it should have been done a long time ago. I'm that's going to do a lot of great things. I'm also excited about the progress we're making on short-term rentals. I hope we can keep that at a rapid pace because uh that's a growing problem that we're having and we need to address it and be proactive instead of reactive. Uh, also congratulate us on the budget. you know, we did lots of improvements. We made lots of allocations for affordable housing and other things. Um, sidewalks and roads and those kinds of things, improvements, yet we still and we added what 12 positions in the fire EMS. Yet, we kept our tax rate the same. So, those watching, we kept the tax rate the same yet did all those wonderful things and that says a lot for how we set our budget.

Uh, is a big deal. Congratulations for National Tennis Month. Uh my friend Don Octicanin, congratulations to you and Chief Deputy KZ. Congratulations. It's people like the two of you who continue to improve your skill set to serve our city even better. That just shows your dedication to your job and to our city and for those things. I thank you on behalf of myself and the rest of council. Let's see what else I wanted to say. Oh, our interns. Congratulations to all y'all. Ben, Lauren, Hannifford, Hansford, Hansford. And also Mia and Malia, welcome aboard. You've already gotten to see some some good sides of us and and some people starting to say things that that uh show different sides of things. We're going to see more of that. And that's what government's about.

So, uh you know, if we all appear and agree on everything, we'd be got to start wondering what's going on if we do. But but I'll tell you, this is a great council. Uh I think for the most part we work really well together and we tend to view our viewpoints really out there but we also listen well to one another

and you know on one thing we may see 100% other might be 75 or 50 but I think the thing you will see is that we all will look at each other and talk to each other even though our opinions may not be the same but that's what city council is for us to give our viewpoints and then try to make the best decision. I think this council, we're missing a mayor, but I really believe this council does its best to try to do what they think is the best decision for our citizens and serves our citizens. So, I'm proud to be a part of this council for that reason because that's what we should all be doing. It should not be for self-s serving purposes or political purposes, but for what we think is truly the best decision for our citizens. So, hope you get to see that. And congratulations on your master stuff. That's awesome, too. Thank you.

Um, I think that's my checklist. Yes, it is. It is our checklist. Thank you very much, Mayor Fertan. Absolutely. Uh, Council Member Mahardy wanted to add something and I completely forgot to thank Council Member Willis for showing up to the chancellor's breakfast and congratulating me on my graduation. And then Mayor Pro Tim Foreman, uh, she actually, oh, I wanted to come to my departmental graduation. So, I got her and grandson, correct? Yeah. Her and her grandson tickets. And, uh, she came and watched me walk across the stage and grab my, uh, fake diploma. So, I just I want to say thank you all uh for doing that and it really meant a lot to me. So, thank you all. Did me person jump up and cheer for you like going back as I walked by? She was

I did my That's my baby.

And I will close out with um reiterating that and saying um congratulations to Seth. It was a pleasure to watch watch you walk across that stage in your hard hat. Um, also to concur with uh what has been said by the rest of council and I think that you know what has been elevated here is um the fact that we are doing our best to serve our people at our best. Um I talk all the time about order of operations and in mathematics there's an order of operations. If you want to get a problem right you do that problem in a specific order. And in life, if we want to get things right, we do things in a certain order. And that is by putting people first. And uh a lot of the things we talked about tonight in our workshop as well as our council meeting has been examples of us making people our priority. Um both on staff and the community. I'll say again um the things that were very very close to my heart uh like with uh uh Council Member Hardy um the code enforcement and um addressing substandard housing. We've got a lot of people in our community that are struggling, some suffering um and the dehumanization um degrading and isolating of citizens and inhumane conditions is just unacceptable. So, I am super excited about the fact that we are restructuring our code enforcement efforts to be able to address that. Um, and we'll elevate also the bus shelters. Yes. And so, um, I do agree with that that we need to continue to, um, put attention towards that. I know Michael might be tired of me sending him pictures. Um but um but we do need to make sure that all of our citizens are being taken care of um at

our best as they're trying to navigate our city. Um and then I will um close out with the short-term rentals and Airbnb. Um uh that was important to me also. So u with that being said, we're going to close out this meeting. Do we have a motion to adjourn? Motion to adjurnn. Second. All right. Motion made by Council Member Robinson, seconded by Council Member Hardy. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6. All right. Let's go home.