KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) – Kinston residents may face a spike in one of their bills if the city’s 2024-2025 fiscal budget is approved at the city council meeting on Tuesday.

If Kinston’s budget proposal is approved, garbage fees for Kinston residents would increase by at least 12%.

According to officials from the City of Kinston, the increase would be due to the county’s budget and the approved increase in landfill fees, which would affect the residents.

“I personally think it’s a bit high right now. It averages out to about $30.00 for some of us. Personally, I think it’s a bit high, especially because recycling only comes once a month anyway,” said Hailey Harsha, a Kinston resident.

WITN spoke with residents in Kinston. One noted how they feel Kinston is very affordable compared to other areas in the state, but others don’t quite feel the same.

“It’s a struggle out here in the economy, and I think for trash, that’s a bit high,” Harsha added.

While the trash rates may be going up, there is some good news on the budget. Electric rates have not gone up in at least 15 years, and there is no tax hike within this proposed budget.

The city council meeting that discussed the budget took place on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.