Vote On Doubling Charlotte Transit Tax Delayed

Charlotte leaders are trying to decide whether to ask the state's permission to ask voters whether they want to raise their own sales tax for rail and bus projects. Mecklenburg County taxpayers already pay a half-cent sales tax for transit. This new vote would make it a full penny.

The state is looking at a bill to give the Triangle and Triad permission to put the question to voters. Local leaders are wondering whether to ask Raleigh to add the Charlotte area to the bill. Then, if the bill passes, local leaders could ask voters here if they want the tax hike.

On Monday, Charlotte city leaders decided to hold off on making a decision for a week or so. They wanted more time to think about it. City leaders say, even if the charlotte area gets added to the state bill, and the bill passes, they won't put the item on this year's ballot.

Some don't want a referendum at all. Republican councilman Warren Cooksey said, "I think that council needs to be dedicated to dealing with road needs. Transit has its source."

Ned Curran heads a road group, the Transportation Committee of 21. He said roads need the money more than transit and that the public can't afford two tax hikes. "If there's only a half-cent available, we would endorse that half cent being allocated to roads," he said. "Not transit."

On Tuesday, Mecklenburg County leaders could tackle the same issue.

We wanted to know what would happen if taxpayers did get to vote. Most people we spoke with said they were willing to pay more for transit.

Janele Hurley said, "I definitely would think about paying more tax dollars in order to do so."

Candice Crago said, "Absolutely. I'll pay double than that."

Jonell Waller said, "It's worth it. We do need more transportation."