CHARLOTTE — Charlotte’s $4.5 billion budget is now in the hands of councilmembers, and ever since city manager Marcus Jones introduced it, there have been two key areas of focus: Safe Alliance and the Charlotte Fire Department.
For the first time in 20 years, Charlotte is not providing funding for one of the region’s most well-known nonprofits, Safe Alliance. Safe Alliance provides 24/7 support for domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault survivors.
“I consider Safe Alliance funding to be part of public safety to protect survivors, and help prevent violence from escalating in our neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Dimple Ajmera, D-At large.
The city manager says he will explore ways to ensure Safe Alliance is included automatically in the budget process so the organization doesn’t have to compete for funding each year with other nonprofits.
“I think it would be a lot easier if we just folded them in because of the work they provide the community,” said Councilmember Joi Mayo, D-District 3.
Finding $400,000 for Safe Alliance is a relatively small task compared to the Charlotte City Council’s other request for pay parity for firefighters and police officers. That move could cost more than $4 million. Most councilmembers want to find it.
“They are the first responders to all things 911,” said Councilmember Dante Anderson, D-District 1. “I want to make sure they are in pay parity and not out of line.”
Councilmember LaWana Mayfield, D-At large, offered one suggestion: Instead of firefighters getting 10% raises along with police, what if police only got 7% raises in line with firefighters?
“Fire shows up first,” Mayfield said. “That’s who shows up immediately. Law enforcement shows up, but they show up afterward.”
That proposal to explore decreasing CMPD’s proposed raise failed, with only Mayfield, District 4 Councilmember Renee Johnson and District 6 Councilmember Kimberly Owens voting for it.
Johnson took it a step further, proposing raises for all employees at 7%, which would cost $8.6 million.
Budget straw votes will be on June 1, which will be when the council will officially add or remove items from the budget.
Jones warns that a higher property tax increase may be necessary to fund everything the council wants.
At-Large Councilmember Dr. Victoria Watlington says two of her top priorities are funding for CFD and Safe Alliance.
She said in a statement, “Our firefighters protect this city. Compensation that reflects that isn’t a luxury; it’s a commitment we need to honor. And on Safe Alliance, I am supportive of the mission and will advocate for meaningful investment, though I recognize the final allocation may not reach the full requested level.”
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
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