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City leaders pass Charlotte's $2.4 billion budget

By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com
By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — City leaders passed Charlotte's $2.4 billion budget Monday night that does not include a property tax hike. The budget includes fee increases and additional public safety positions.

[PAST COVERAGE: City manager budget recommends additional officers, no property tax increase]

Charlotte taxpayers will pay an additional $26 a year for rising costs for city water and solid waste services.

The city built the budget around promises council members made after the Keith Scott shooting.

The city is going to invest an additional $6 million in affordable housing and $8.5 million in good-paying jobs.

This budget has a heavy emphasis on public safety.

[READ: BUDGET FOR 2018 FISCAL YEAR]

As a result, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will be able to hire 62 additional police officers and purchase new police cruisers and equipment.

With the violent crime rate soaring this year, Republican City Council member Kenny Smith said landing this funding for CMPD was important and will go a long way toward making sure every part of the city is safe.

“We have to have enough resources to protect our citizens. Barclay Downs Drive and Beatties Ford Road should just be as safe as each other,” Smith said.

Democrat City Council member Dimple Ajmera, who represents east Charlotte, is happy that the budget provides her area with 18 new firefighters.

"It addresses the growing community needs. Also (it) addresses the response rate," Ajmera said.

For the first time, the budget also includes funding for paid family leave for city employees.

Mayor Jennifer Roberts campaign statement:

"Mayor Jennifer Roberts showed strong leadership during the budget process, working with the City Council to get a unanimous vote on a budget that reflects Charlotte's priorities. 

"The budget prioritizes public safety, adding almost 200 new officers and support staff over two years. Thanks to the mayor's leadership, the budget adds paid family leave as a benefit to help us recruit the best first responders and city staff. 

"Finally, the budget makes good on many of the Mayor's promises: creating jobs by adding staff to expand employment and career programs for youth and adults; raising the minimum wage for city employees to $15 per hour by 2018; and increasing our investment in affordable housing to tackle the housing crisis."

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