County Manager Budget Would Leave CMS Bond Referendum Up to Voters

CHARLOTTE, NC — “Very happy that the county manager is operating off of a no tax increase,” said County Commissioner Jim Puckett.

No tax increase, but nearly a billion-dollar bond referendum would be in voters’ hands. The $936 million would cover 29 CMS capital projects, including building 10 new schools, replacing 6 of the district’s oldest schools and covering 12 high-priority school renovations. County Manager Dena Diorio is also recommending the county give CMS $15.3 million, which is a little more than half of the $27 million in new funding CMS requested.

“We only have a certain amount of money to spend. We can’t fund everything everybody requests, and it’s really just trying to prioritize and do the best with the resources we have,” said Diorio.

Commissioner Jim Puckett says it’s more than fair.

“CMS again tends to ask for the moon, and the problems I’ve had is they cannot really give solid rationale for it,” said Puckett.

Also included in the budget is $119 million to help bring major league soccer to Charlotte. The new, $175 million stadium would be built at the old Memorial Stadium and Grady Cole Center. The cost would be shared by the team, the county and the city.

“I am still hopeful the city of Charlotte will still vote favorably to contribute $43.7 million in tourism dollars to move the project forward,” said Diorio.

Another debated issue in the budget plan is parental leave. The county would pay for six weeks of paid leave for new moms and dads.

“Yes, I would like it to be stronger than it was, but it’s a start and we can build, but I was glad to see that,” said Commissioner Pat Cotham.