Charlotte city manager suggests no change in taxes

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — City Manager Ron Carlee said he is not suggesting a change in taxes for Charlotte residents.
 
"I have no recommendations to adjust any of the tax rates at this point at all," Carlee said.
 
The announcement came as city leaders start preparing the next budget for Charlotte Wednesday at the first of three workshops.
 
Carlee made it clear he had no recommendations to adjust taxes -- to increase them or decrease them.
 
Last week, county commissioners indicated tax cuts may be possible because of an unexpected surplus in revenue.
 
 City leaders learned Wednesday that revenue is projected to be up 2.5 percent for this upcoming budget.
 
That equals about $14.2 million, including a higher collection of property taxes than they expected.
 
They expected a drop because of the county's revaluation process on property values, but city leaders said those numbers can change from month to month, which is what they saw since last month's council retreat.
 
They don't feel comfortable saying yet if taxpayers will get a break.
 
"I think it's a little early for the city to make that kind of assessment. Our budget process is just beginning, and a lot of these numbers are like chasing mercury," said Councilman John Autry.
 
The city's Storm Water Department proposed a 5 percent fee increase that will equal about 40 cents extra per month for the average property owner.
 
That could be included in the city manager's budget May 5.
 
Eyewitness News will continue to follow these workshops where city leaders are deciding how to spend your money.

Eyewitness News will continue to monitor Wednesday night's budget hearing and bring any major developments tonight at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

To see more local news stories, click here.

WSOC