Β CHARLOTTE, NC — No property tax hike, but Charlotte residents would have to pay higher fees under the City Manager’s proposed budget. Β Council members received a breakdown of the $2.1 billion proposal Monday. Β That’s six and a half percent more than last year’s budget. Β It calls for a nearly two percent increase in water, sewer, and storm water fees. Β The average customer will pay about $2 more a month. Β City Manager Ron Carlee spoke to WCCB Charlotte about his proposal.
“I don’t think people are going to see a change,” he said. Β “Property taxes won’t change, and increases to water sewer and to storm sewer we kept as low as we possibly could.”
There’s a public hearing on the budget May 12, followed by straw votes on the 28th. Β Council will adopt the new budget on June 9. Β
Council members also discussed ethics policies in the wake of the corruption charges against ex-Mayor Patrick Cannon. Β Some members want to tighten policies, especially the ones dealing with perks council members receive. Β WCCB Charlotte first reported last week that council is also conisdering adding a whistleblower hotline for people to report possible ethics violations.
