45 Residents Speak At Mecklenburg Budget Public Hearing
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Β CHARLOTTE, NC — People packed a public hearing Wednesday night to tell commissioners what they think about Mecklenburg County’s $1.6 billion budget. Β Forty-five people signed up to talk.
The proposed budget keeps the property tax rate the same, but it includes a 1.77 cent tax hike for people who live in unincorporated parts of the county to cover police service. Β Schools would get nearly $14 million more than last year, which is much less than the additional $39 million the district asked for.
Some speakers asked for more money to maintain county parks. Β “While residents are noting the value of parks and recreations facilities, at the same time, they’re noticing a decline in the condition of these facilities,” said Mecklenburg Park & Recreation Commissioner Aubin Guinness.
County Commissioners will hold straw votes on the budget Thursday. Β They must adopt a budget by July 1.
