Local

Foxx wants to end budget stalemate

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mayor Anthony Foxx told Eyewitness News that he wants to end a stalemate over the budget that has been going on for six months.

For the first time, the mayor proposed eliminating a planned $199 million for streetcars.

"These proposals reflect where the council is," said Foxx.

Foxx said the Streetcar Project has created drama in City Council chambers with some members who are adamantly against it and against the tax hikes that would go with it.

"There was concern that the property tax increase was too great and the size of the package was just too large," said Foxx.

He hopes to get support.

"We have a good track record of not raising taxes as a City Council, and I think we should maintain," said Michael Barnes of the Charlotte City Council.

Both of the proposals Foxx put out on Monday call for property tax hike.

His scaled back plan that cuts the Streetcar Project but has money for road projects and the police department calls for a 1.97 cent increase that works out to about $40 on a $200,000 dollar home.

His second plan with funding for the Streetcar Project would cost closer to $60.

"It's one designed to turn around areas that have struggled in the past, restore some economic growth in those areas," said Foxx.

Of course, there is a third option, do nothing.

Foxx said if council does that it could put Charlotte's bond rating at risk.