About a dozen Kings Mountain residents protested outside City Hall on February 24, 2026, before the council meeting, voicing frustrations over high property taxes, soaring utility bills, and poor water quality.
Protest Origins
Timothy Sanders, a 2025 council candidate, rallied support via Facebook starting February 18. Initial turnout was small (3-4 people) with signs demanding lower taxes, clean water, and cheaper power. Residents like George Hamrick Jr. cited undrinkable water (“animals won’t even drink it”) and bills jumping from $175-215 to $500 monthly—hitting fixed-income seniors hardest. Sanders pushes for a bottled water fund until fixes.
Police Ordinance Clash
Chief Gerald Childress posted February 19, citing Chapter 134 (Picketing Ordinance): Requires written notice to chief with sponsor details, sign size/march limits. Non-compliance unlawful. Backlash (170+ comments) questioned its constitutionality. Childress updated February 21: Supports protests, reviewing ordinance for rights/safety balance.
Council Meeting
Packed room; speakers included:
- Jackson Cloninger: Called ordinance “13 constitutional violations, assault on assembly”—risks massive lawsuits, demands repeal.
- John Lemmond: Suggest budget billing for utilities; review ordinance to preserve intent without rights breaches.
Councilwomen Heather Lemmond and Shearra Miller welcomed feedback as “passion for the city,” promised listening and consideration (water, bills ongoing since summer; staff deems safe).
Ties to your SC local news interest—small-town pushback echoes Charleston protest vibes, but hyper-local on taxes/water. Classic grassroots vs. gov tension.
