Charlotte City Council retreat costs taxpayers about $42,000

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Council's recent retreat to Raleigh cost taxpayers almost $42,000.

The hotel rooms, meals and conference space for the roughly 30 city officials and staff who made the trip came to about $30,000.

The city paid the facilitator $7,000.

The first dinner was at Sullivan's Steakhouse and came with a $2,500 bill.

The second dinner was at Mia Francesca and cost almost $1,500.

The city paid for some state lawmakers to attend one or both dinners.

Council has retreats once every year, some in town and some out of town.

The most expensive retreat was in Pinehurst in 2012, when council members spent $49,000.

"Charlotte City Council members found great value in holding their annual retreat in Raleigh,” city officials said. “Traveling to the state capital provided city leaders and elected officials the opportunity to strengthen relationships as well as to share information and discuss Charlotte's future."

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