Kings Mountain City Council sets water, downtown and parks as top priorities for FY 2026-27

Mayor Robert Wagman called a Kings Mountain City Council work session to order at 9:00 a.m. on March 27, 2026, and asked each councilmember to identify the three priorities that could gain the fastest traction in the coming fiscal year.

The council’s responses were grouped into three priority areas: water infrastructure and related services; downtown revitalization and streetscape improvements linked to the KM Forward initiative; and parks and recreation projects, including updates to existing playgrounds and adding amenities at Davidson Park and the Deal Street Walking Track. Council also discussed strengthening communication with Cleveland County and residents and the possible development of a strategic plan to coordinate those efforts.

Annie C. Thombs, mayor pro tem, and other councilmembers emphasized parks projects and partnerships with local organizations such as the YMCA; council identified playground replacements and enhancements as tangible near-term items. Councilmembers also flagged downtown streetscape work and the KM Forward program as a grouped focus intended to support economic activity and improve the city’s core. Water needs were cited as the first of the three priority groups, signaling attention to infrastructure planning ahead of budget decisions.

City Manager Todd Carpenter and Assistant City Manager Matt Blackwell were present for the work session; materials titled “Next 3 Things Presentation” were provided for reference. Council recessed for lunch at 11:15 a.m.; Councilmembers Jimmy West and Heather Lemmond left at that time. At the conclusion of the session councilmembers discussed broader economic development strategies that could benefit Kings Mountain City going forward. The meeting was adjourned at Noon.

No formal motions on policy or budget allocations were recorded during the work session; the presentation was retained as reference material for future budget and planning steps.