A Board of Commissioners, elected every four years with staggered terms, governs Lenoir County. Each municipality has an elected government. Lenoir County government organization and administration operates under the "County Manager" form of government. In Lenoir County, seven county commissioners are elected, five by district and two at large, in November of even numbered years, to serve staggered four year terms. The Board selects a Chairman, who serves a one year term, presides over all meetings and also is the County's Chief Executive Officer. The Board appoints a County Manager who is the Chief Administrator of County Government, and responsible for all departments under the Board's general control. The offices of the County Manager and other administrative offices are located in the Lenoir County Courthouse at 130 S. Queen Street. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners meet at 9:00 a.m. the first Monday and 7:00 p.m. the third Monday of each month in the Commissioner's room located in the Courthouse; all meetings are open to the public. For more information, please contact the County Clerk at 252-523-7659.

Taxes

Each year in January Residents of North Carolina are required to list all personal property except licensed vehicles . Real Property is permanently listed and requires only improvements to be listed. Each licensed motor vehicle registered in Lenoir County, including municipalities, will be billed by the County three months after renewal of the registration. Property taxes are paid for a 12-month period. They are due September 1 and are payable without interest if paid by January 5. Relief for Senior Citizens and permanently disabled persons may be obtained by calling the Lenoir County Tax Office. The Board of County Commissioners sets the City tax rate at the time of adopting the annual budget. For more information about City taxes, please contact the City Tax Office at 252-559-4215. For further information, about County Taxes, please contact the Lenoir County Tax Office at 252-527-7174.

Elections, Voting

State and County: Primary Tuesday, after the first Monday in May, preceding each General Election. General Election: Tuesday after the first Monday in November every two years in even numbered years. Municipal Election: The City of Kinston has partisan elections with a primary election held on the sixth Tuesday before the General Election (usually in September) Both LaGrange and Pink Hill have non-partisan, simple plurality elections held on Tuesday after the first Monday in November every two years in odd numbered years. To become a registered voter, thirty days of residency in the State of North Carolina is required. The requirements to vote in Lenoir County are a) US Citizenship; b) proof of birth; c) 18 years of age or older d) social security number given voluntarily. For more information contact: The Lenoir County Board of Elections at 252-523-0636 Multi Purpose Building 110 South Heritage Street Kinston, NC 28501.

Department of Motor Vehicles

DMV New residents of North Carolina possessing a valid Driver's License from another state, have 30 days upon establishing residency, in which to contact the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles to obtain a North Carolina Driver's License. Verification of automobile insurance is required. Persons moving from one address to another within the state have 60 days upon establishing residency in a new city, in which to notify the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles to obtain a change of address for a Driver's License. There is a $10.00 fee for obtaining a license or change of address on a license. State of North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles 252-522-4323 2214 W. Vernon Avenue Kinston, NC 28504 The DMV is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. New residents of North Carolina are also required, upon establishing residence, to purchase license plates. For more information on license plates, contact: NC Department of Motor Vehicle License Plate Agency Vernon Park Mall Kinston, NC 28504 252-523-5292.

Business License

All businesses operating in the City of Kinston must pay an annual privilege license tax. Privilege license taxes are due July 1 of each year. After July 1, a penalty of 5% of the tax due is levied each month until paid. For information and privilege license tax classification, call the City Tax Office at 252-939-3140. Businesses operating in Lenoir County must pay an annual privilege tax as well. The license tax is due July 1 with a late penalty of 5% being levied each month until paid. For information and privilege tax classification, please contact the Lenoir County Tax Department Office at 252-527-7174.

Animal Registration

Dogs must wear identification tags or identification collars showing the name and address of the owner, or the SPCA Identification Number, at all times when off the premises of the owner. The SPCA is located on Rouse Road in Kinston, North Carolina, and may be reached by phone at 252-520-0003.

Fishing/Hunting License

To obtain a regular fishing and/or hunting license from the State of North Carolina you must have been a resident of North Carolina for at least six months. All first-time hunters must successfully complete a hunter safety course before purchasing a license. However, one-day fishing licenses are available for non-residents who are visiting or vacationing in North Carolina, and a six-day hunting pass is available (small game) for non-residents visiting North Carolina. Licenses may be obtained from most major sporting goods stores. Please see the yellow pages of your telephone directory for a complete listing of sporting good stores.

Marriage License

Effective October 1, 1994, a physical examination will not be required in order to purchase a marriage license. Marriage licenses are good for 60 days. You must purchase the license in the county in which you plan to marry. If the couple (either party) is under the age of 18 years and over the age of 16 years, the parent or parents must appear at the Register of Deeds office to sign a marriage consent form. (Parents must have I.D.-Driver's license) All couples under the age of 21 must furnish a certified copy of his or her birth certificate from the county or state where they were born. A hospital birth certificate is not acceptable. Persons over the age of 21 may use a certified copy of their birth certificate or driver's license. If either party has been married before, they must furnish a copy of their divorce papers. The cost of the license is $50.00 and cost of the marriage certificate is $3.00. Licenses may be purchased at the Office of Register of Deeds, 101 N. Queen Street, Kinston, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For additional information, phone 252-559-6420.