Mecklenburg County Money Issues Worse Than Other Counties

Charlotte-Mecklenburg School leaders are expecting $20 million less dollars from county officials next year.

On Wednesday, Eyewitness News asked County Manager Harry Jones why Mecklenburg is planning a big cut to schools, when the similar-sized Wake County will likely offer no cuts to its school district. Jones showed us how Mecklenburg County has far more expenses, and a dwindling number of dollars coming into the county.

Unemployment data show Mecklenburg has historically higher rates than Wake County. That contributes to a precipitous drop in sales tax revenue, that has hit Mecklenburg much harder than Wake. Wake also collects more in property taxes and puts money into savings every year.

School board members have acknowledged the difference. "I wish we were them," board member Rhonda Lennon said. "It would be a lot easier job on the school board." On Tuesday, Superintendent Peter Gorman told the board that if the county made no cuts, the number of potential teachers losing their job would be cut in half.

"We just have to respond to what we get, which makes us feel a little reactionary by nature," Gorman said. "What we're going to have to do is continue to look at this community and where our priorities are."