KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) - Tensions ran high Tuesday night at the City of Kinston council meeting, where residents came out in numbers to voice their frustration and disappointment over the increase in property taxes.

“I get this lovely letter that says, my payment is due by the first of $1,778.31. I’m trying to understand how. It doesn’t add up, it doesn’t make sense,” homeowner Gwendolyn Woods said.

“With no real growth in job opportunities, and so many residents on fixed incomes, without any means to pay this significant increase,” Patricia Patterson, who has lived in the city for more than 50 years, said. “I ask you, are you really trying to rebuild this city?”

One new resident who has seen her tax bill triple in the span of a year said she was disappointed.

“An absolute disgrace, this

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