City Council Explores Options to Cover $22 Million Deficit

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CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte City Council is weighing its options to fix the city’s budget shortfall.  During a special workshop Wednesday, members asked City Manager Ron Carlee about options like selling city-owned land, and cutting funding to non-profits.

He will come back to council with what impact those proposals would have.  Carlee has already recommended increasing property taxes and eliminating the $47 solid waste fee.

“I think he’s got a pretty creative idea,” said Mayor Dan Clodfelter (D).  “As he says, about 80 percent of the homeowners in Charlotte would pay less if we convert that from a fee to a property tax levy.  I think that’s worth exploring.”

The city is trying to cover a $22 million deficit.  It comes mainly because of the loss of the business privilege tax and a county property revaluation that came in far below expectations.