New Meck County commissioners hold early public hearing on budget

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The new Mecklenburg County commission is changing things up this year. For the first time, the county opted to hold a budget public hearing before the county manager presented her budget.

The commission chose the early hearing, so the county manager will know the public's priorities before she releases her budget in a couple months. Tuesday night's hearing also comes a week before the commissioners are scheduled to have their annual budget retreat.

More than 40 people signed up to speak. The public hearing lasted several hours.

Representatives from the Parks and Recreation Commission addressed county leaders asking for a new park and rec master plan and for more funding of the long-stalled 2008 park bond projects that were supported instead of Major League Soccer. The commission wants more funding so six projects can start construction sooner.

"If we seize the opportunity now, we will have the opportunity to lay the groundwork for a parks system we can all be proud of," said Rick Winiker, vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. "It is an opportunity to add a little bit of magic in the lives of our citizens."

Education is always the hot debate for the Mecklenburg County Commission.

Last year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Commissions requested $40 million from the county.

County leaders provided CMS with $31 million.

"Being 50 out of 50 in economic mobility, I can think of literally no better place to invest than our schools," teacher Kevin Poirier said.

Teachers addressed commissioners, asking for education to be a priority. Many of the new commissioners campaigned on this being their top issue.

"As far as teacher pay goes, if we want to be the place for the best teachers to come and work, I think we still have a ways to go," teacher Justin Parmenter said.

[New Meck. Co. board of commissioners to use taxpayer money for out-of-town retreat]

While local issues dominated the conversation, several people addressed the commission, asking them to consider providing funding for topics that have dominated the national discussion.

Sam Spencer asked commissioners to create a comprehensive plan addressing climate change.

"It is a problem that is not going to go away," Spencer said. "It is only going to get worse over time."

The Mecklenburg County Commissioners will discuss budget priorities again during their retreat. The retreat will be held Jan. 23 to 25 at the Grandover Hotel outside of Greensboro.

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