CHARLOTTE — City manager Marcus Jones unveiled his budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal year on Monday.
It calls for a property tax hike, saying it is needed to keep you safe.
Police recruitment is competitive, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has vacancies.
Jones is proposing a public safety package, but it would come at the cost of a property tax increase. The proposed property tax hike is 1.89 cents dedicated to enhancing public safety.
That comes out to an extra $5.70 a month for a home valued at about $360,000. That’s what the city calls the average home.
That money will go to a 10% raise for CMPD officers. Jones is also planning to upfit all CMPD cruisers with dash cameras over the next three years, and his budget increases the number of take-home cars.
The budget proposal from Jones also calls for $125 million for affordable housing. That includes $25 million for anti-displacement measures tied to future transit projects.
Over the past seven years, the Charlotte City Council has only voted to raise property taxes once.
While CMPD officers are getting a 10% raise, Charlotte firefighters are getting a 7% raise. Jones says that’s because there aren’t vacancies in Charlotte Fire like there are in CMPD.
Councilmembers will also learn if he wants utility fee increases included.
Small Business Month
Also on Monday, Charlotte kicks off Small Business Month.
The city will hold several events throughout May celebrating small-business owners and entrepreneurs.
There is a free networking event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday at The Market at 7th Street.
On Thursday, city leaders will hold the Crowns of Enterprise Awards.