Β CHARLOTTE, NC — Β Teacher raises now rest in the hands of Mecklenburg County voters. Commissioners decided to put a 7.5 percent county tax increase on the November ballot Tuesday night. Β If it passes, Mecklenburg County’s sales tax would become the highest in the state. Β However, CMS teachers would be among those seeing a pay boost. Β Several taxpayers tell WCCB they’re willing to pay the price for the sake of education.
“The teachers just can’t afford it. Β They can’t afford to make a living, and it’s just not showing our children any kind of balance,” said Cotswold resident Erin Sherwood. Β
Dilworth resident William Bellinger added, “Half a cent is worth our teachers. Β Teachers are living our district because the pay is so low makes no sense in a rich city like Charlotte.”
The budget Commissioners passed Tuesday night does not call for a property tax hike. Β It does include a two percent increase in water, sewer and storm water fees.
