CHARLOTTE, NC – A bill that would allow Mecklenburg County to hold a referendum to raise the tax rate to fund transit projects has been filed in the General Assembly.
Republican Senators Bill Rabon, David Craven, and Vickie Sawyer sponsored Senate Bill 145.
The Bill provides the opportunity for funding for roads, transit and bus systems throughout the county.
If the bill passes the legislature, it would pave the way for a referendum on the November ballot asking for a one percent sales tax increase in Mecklenburg County.
The Managers of Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, and the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill and Pineville released a joint statement saying thanking the Senators. They say the funds will be allocated directly to the City and the individual towns across the county where local governments will have the independent authority to make decisions about roads, intersections, safety improvements, and other ancillary road enhancements within their communities that will have a positive daily impact on residents.
The bill allocates 40 percent of proceeds from the increased tax for road improvements. It also says 50 percent of the Red Line construction must be finished before the completion of any other rail project.
You can read the entire bill here.
