Mike Haigler, Your Locust City Councilman

05/18/2026

Thursday evenings meeting didn't have a lot of things to be considered by council.
The only two actions was a public hearing on some minor changes to the building at Rileys Retreat. The owner wanted to add an awning around the building to provide additional shade for the kennels.
This was approved by council.
The other issue was a public hearing on the 2026-2027 budget.
The new budget has no increase in property taxes. Last year we reduced property tax rates from .36 cents to .29 cents.
There is no increase in any other services like recreational fees or sewer rates.
This next budget year will see the completion and opening of the Senior Center. It will include the start of a new police department facility.
It will also include a new truck for utilities that will facilitate leaf vacuuming so no more paper bags. Leaves will be collected more often and done streetside.
This same truck will also be used for bulk pickup. Items like mattresses and furniture will be scheduled for pickup.
Our waste collection contract doesn't give us these options. Now, leaves and bulk material pickup will all be handled in house.
Other things in the budget include more Christmas decorations and street beautification. Additional designing for the layout of the property the city owns on the north side of East Market Street.
Stay tuned for more updates.

05/14/2026

05/08/2026

City Center Yard Sale tomorrow 5/9/2026

LOCUST TOWN CENTER IS HAVING A COMMUNITY YARD-SALE TOMORROW 5/9 FROM 7a-12pm. LOTS OF HOUSES PARTICIPATING! COME CHECK IT OUT!

05/04/2026

Publix grocery store viral video!!
A lot of people are reacting to the video that is posted by local real estate investor Jay Bartell.
Jay has been a long time resident of Locust and has some pretty great ideas when it comes to commercial development in Locust. I've known him a long time.
However, Publix has not reached out to Locust or met with officials concerning locating to Locust.
While the city has actively pursued another grocery provider, the city is limited to getting the demographics and information out to a broad range of companies.
Some have responded and shown interest. Others consider the population to be too low to support three grocery retailers.
They look at 3 and 5 mile radius. But that doesn't account for all the people within a 15 mile radius who would rather come here to shop instead of Concord, Monroe, Charlotte or Albemarle.
When you look at the east Charlotte area and northern Union County area, the population far exceeds that of Locust and Stanfield combined.
We have heard the concerns and will continue to work with businesses and developers to find a fit for Locust and the surrounding communities.
I can promise you that as soon as we have one that is coming before the planning and zoning board for approval, I will post it here.
Not rumors. A verified post.

04/25/2026

A lot of talk about capping property taxes, budgets, government costs, ect.
Local government is REQUIRED by the state to have a balanced budget every single year.
Yet the state hasn't passed a budget in two years.
Locust was the only regional municipality last year to reduce taxes. And still, we increased the quality of services provided.
With the conservative approach our staff and manager has, you will see that continue.
Our Council may not always make every decision you want or understand.
But we have put people in the driver's seat that want a better, more affordable community for everyone. Its a work in progress. Its not about the money, its what you do with it.

04/24/2026

I know some have seen a spirited discussion between myself and a previous councilman and long time friend concerning the purchase of private property and improvement of a traffic intersection.
After being called out by him on Facebook, I reached out in person to debate the issue.
Arguing over social media is a waste of time and effort.
For the record, I harbor no ill will toward him and have nothing but respect, regardless of our differences of opinion.
He taught me a lot through the years as my fire chief, police commissioner and friend.
He was one of my strongest mentors in my young impressionable years and I credit him with being one of the defining forces in my desire to serve the public.
He is a major cheerleader for Locust and a strong advocate for growth.
But where we disagree is on the speed, intensity and costs of growth.
Growth must be tempered with a focus on sustainability and common sense.
Decisions are not all black and white.
I'm not opposed to an intersection at that location, but I'm not convinced that we have to address it regardless of the cost.
No, you can't put a price on public safety.
But this isn't the highest priority intersection.
I previously made the motion to place a stoplight at Meadow Creek Church Road and 24-27 due to the high amount of traffic there and difficulty in access.
There should be a balance of need versus costs. And other government entities factor into that. Such as county and state government.
I value friendships more than money but I also have to disagree when I can't support a stance that doesn't balance out.
There will eventually be a solution for that intersection. Discussions are ongoing and we have continued to work with DOT to address traffic issues.
Joe Bishop I agree with some of your opinions and I disagree with some opinions.
Thats what you taught me. Stick to your guns. Hold your position. If you believe your in the right, don't back down.
I'm flexible. But I'm just doing what you told me to do over 40 years ago.
I know your passionate about Locust.
But I'm just as passionate.
Locust will be the best if can be, only if people take differing views and find the compromise. I'm constantly working on the compromise. And compromise takes time.

04/12/2026

A little good news for those who feel NC is being over populated. It appears SC is picking up the slack now.