Charlotte is $21 million in the hole. 7 ways this may affect your life
It’s the season when city officials and politicians figure out the budget. This year, Charlotte is facing a $21 million shortfall. Last night, city manager Ron Carlee laid out his plan to close it. The City Council will eventually vote on it.
Should you care? Here are 7 reasons why you should:
(1) Garbage
– The $47 garbage fee homeowners currently pay gets eliminated.
– Replaced with a property tax increase. Why the switch? To spread some of the burden to commercial properties, which are now exempt from a garbage fee.
(2) Taxes and fees
– Basically if you’re wealthy or own a high-dollar property, you’ll pay more in taxes and fees. If you’re middle-of-the road or poor, you’ll likely wind up shelling out less.
(3) Pricier water
– The average user would pay an extra $18.60 more a year for water – a 2.7 percent increase.
(4) 311
– No more 311 information service on weekends and holidays. Savings: $658,000
(5) Street paving
– The city would resurface about 16.5 fewer miles of streets a year. Savings: $860,000.
(6) Police and fire
– Budgets get cut about $200,000 each
(7) City employees get raises
– Raises across the board
Photos: John D. Simmons/Charlotte Observer; Jeff Willhelm/Charlotte Observer;
This story was originally published May 4, 2015 at 9:25 PM with the headline "Charlotte is $21 million in the hole. 7 ways this may affect your life."