The proposal includes investments in affordable housing programs, a new behavioral health crisis center, public safety initiatives and pay raises for county workers.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Mecklenburg County leaders unveiled a proposed $2.6 billion budget Thursday that would keep property taxes flat while increasing investments in schools, affordable housing, public safety and behavioral health programs.
County Manager Mike Bryant presented the fiscal year 2027 budget recommendation to county commissioners, calling it a plan focused on maintaining services while controlling spending.
โLadies and gentlemen of the board โ I recommend a budget of $2.6 billion to fund services that will improve the quality of life for our residents and bring the countyโs expenditures under control,โ Bryant said.
Under the proposal, the county property tax rate would remain at 49.27 cents. Bryant said county leaders worked to avoid both a tax increase and employee layoffs despite rising costs.
โI am so proud to share I have used all the tools in my disposal and made the adjustments in our investments without compromising our services, proposed raising property taxes, or even impose employee layoffs,โ Bryant explained.
Bryant also said the county covered an additional $69 million in general fund costs to avoid what would have been a proposed property tax increase.
A major focus of the proposed budget is education funding.
The plan fully funds Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schoolsโ request for $25 million in additional operating money, along with funding for student devices and maintenance projects.
โThe county cannot afford to divest from our local school system,โ Bryant said. โThis is why in my budget I strongly recommend we fully fund CMS to boost learning and educational opportunities within this county.โ
The proposal also includes investments in affordable housing programs, a new behavioral health crisis center, public safety initiatives and pay raises for county employees. County commissioners will now review the proposal before a final vote later this year.
โThey made a recommendation and itโs up to us to make the decision,โ Mark Jerrell said.
Residents will also have an opportunity to weigh in during a public hearing next week.
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