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Last chance for Charlotteans to weigh in on massive $2.6B budget

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monday night will be the last chance Charlotteans have to weigh in on the massive $2.6 billion city budget.

To pay for it, Charlotte leaders want to raise taxes and fees for services.

The proposed budget includes $50 million for affordable housing. It also would give Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers a 6.5 percent raise.

To pay for everything, the city manager is asking for a one-cent property tax increase. Stormwater, Charlotte Water, and solid waste fees would all rise as well.

City Council members will also be asked to invest millions into a county facility. It's a $3 million request for synthetic turf for the new Memorial Stadium.

If the city contributes the money, which would come from the tourism fund, they will be given five rent-free days a year for 15 years.

In August, Memorial Stadium will be home to its biggest concert in years. Organizers are selling tickets for a Brad Paisley and Kane Brown show. The concert is the kickoff party for the Tennessee vs. West Virginia college football game at Bank of America Stadium.

More details are expected to be released at Monday night’s meeting about plans for affordable housing along the light rail. In March, city council members granted a developer a 60-day extension to get details of the project in order.

In 2007, the city struck a deal for 80 units next to the Scaleybark station in south Charlotte but the units have never been built.