City of Gastonia

The council conducted a budget work session covering various fiscal and operational topics. Key discussions included the FY2026-27 budget calendar, compensation and retirement system adjustments, health insurance management and on-site clinic services, and the implementation of the Safe City Plan with Flock Safety. The session also addressed fire department expansion priorities, transportation project strategies using existing fund balances, and equipment procurement plans. Additionally, the council reviewed proposed fee schedule adjustments for water and sewer services, solid waste collection, and transit fare structures, including potential service expansions.

The joint meeting focused on several key planning and infrastructure topics. Discussions included a growth update for Gaston County Schools, an overview of the Gastonia 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and proposed updates to the Unified Development Ordinance. Additionally, the Council and Commission received reports on water and sewer utilities, an overview of the Traffic Impact Analysis process, and an update on the Southeast Gastonia Area Transportation Study, which included a review of residential development standards.

The City Council entered into a closed session to evaluate the job performance and employment conditions of the City Attorney. Upon returning to open session, the Council approved amendments to the City Attorney's employment agreement, including an 8% increase in annual compensation and a recurring car allowance reimbursement.

The Council reviewed the proposed FY2026-27 budget calendar and key financial highlights. Discussions included a proposed 3.5% employee compensation increase, adjustments to health and dental insurance programs, and rising retirement system costs. The City Manager outlined new position requests, city facility building improvements, and highlights for various departments. Regarding the GoGastonia microtransit service, the Council reached a consensus to maintain current service levels without expansion while implementing fare increases. Additionally, the session covered proposed appropriations for public services equipment, utility capital projects, and fee schedule adjustments for solid waste and water and sewer services, while noting future budget challenges for the subsequent fiscal year.

This document covers two sessions of the Gastonia City Council Strategic Planning Retreat. Session 1 focused on building strong relationships, reviewing and updating the City's current Strategic Plan for FY2027, discussing current Goals, and brainstorming priorities. Departmental accomplishments for 2025 were reviewed by various department heads. Session 2 centered on budget development guidance for FY2027, including a financial overview, establishing guidance for the GO Transportation Bond Second Issuance, tax base updates, compensation and benefits review, and discussion of proposed fee schedule amendments. Key discussions included the potential shift to a self-insured model for property and liability insurance utilizing PFAS settlement funds, and a presentation on the proposed Flock Safe City Program involving LPRs and drones. Economic development updates covered industrial growth, retail trends, and downtown property redevelopment RFPs. Further discussion addressed expansion plans for the Fire Department, including staffing needs and apparatus replacement costs, as well as significant capital needs and a proposed 5% Water/Sewer rate increase. The Legislative Advocacy Agenda was reviewed, confirming support for citywide elections and opposing shifts of municipal elections to even years.