Local

Mecklenburg County leaders float idea of raising taxes to fund arts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County commissioners are considering raising the sales tax to fund arts programs, an idea that would have to be approved by voters.

Despite a high approval rating in the polls, some commissioners think this isn't close to happening.

The county is considering raising the sales tax by a quarter of a cent to provide a dedicated revenue source for the Arts and Science Council.

Five years ago, they tried the same thing and voters overwhelmingly said “no.”

Commissioner Trevor Fuller, D-At large, isn't sure things would be different this time around.

“I am not seeing enough different now than what we got then,” Fuller said.

The sales tax rate currently is 7.25 percent.

Initial estimates indicate a tax hike would generate $50 million -- $20 million of which would be earmarked for the Arts and Science Council.

[ALSO READ: Meck County home values rose 44 percent on average in latest revaluation]

Commissioner Susan Harden, said that much money could have a huge impact.

“I think this referendum could have a transformational impact on our community,” Harden said.

New polling from the county found that 68 percent of voters support a sales tax increase for the arts. But on the ballot, the county wouldn't be able to specify where the money would go, and the county found only 31 percent support a hike, in general.

Commissioner Vilma Leake doesn’t support the proposed hike.

“I think it is unfair,” Leake said. “This is me talking -- for the Arts and Science Council to come to this body and ask us to do a tax increase for the operation of this program.”

The county currently provides $1.9 million for the Arts and Science Council, which has seen a decline in fundraising.

Commissioners will likely revisit the topic in the coming weeks but at this point, they don't appear to be in favor of it.

Several commissioners said the requested tax hike comes at a bad time.

It is revaluation year and some taxpayers could end up in paying more property taxes.

Commissioners also have to find additional money for the expansion of universal Pre-K, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is asking for $70 million more than it did last year.

County Manager Dena Diorio says if commissioners put the tax hike on the ballot, there will be a heavy educational effort to make sure voters know what is at stake.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: