Manager Presents Recommended Budget
May 5, 2008
Charlotte, NC -- Curt Walton presented his proposed Fiscal Year 2009 Strategic Operating Plan and 2009—2013 Capital Investment Plan to City Council on Monday, May 5. In his presentation, Walton highlighted the local Charlotte economy. While slowed by national economic conditions such as rising unemployment, growing inflation rates and a housing market downturn, the City still welcomed 13,000 new residents, witnessed 14,000 new jobs, and added 17.4 million square feet of commercial building space. This growth and development drive the City's economy and enhances its quality of life, but it also strains the City's ability to provide service and infrastructure even during periods of reduced economic activity.
Walton recommended no tax increase to fund the proposed $1.82 billion operating/capital budget. The current City tax rate is 45.86¢ per $100 valuation ($917 for a $200,000 home). Walton's proposals included expansion in services and infrastructure in support of Council's priorities of Community Safety, Transportation and Economic Development. His recommendations range from new positions in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to the largest bond referendum in the City's history. Highlights of the recommended budget include the following:
General Fund
- 13 new positions for the CMPD Crime Lab and 911
- 18-person fire company at a new Arboretum fire station
- $700,000 for increased solid waste disposal fees
- 5 new positions in E&PM to implement the new post construction control ordinance (100% funded by user fees)
- 5 new positions (2 E&PM, 2 CDOT, and 1 Fire) to address improvements to the commercial permitting/plans review process (100% funded by user fees)
- Additional $750,000 to offset rising fuel costs
Capital Investment Plan
Additional Non General Fund Improvements
In April, City Council approved a 14.9% increase for water and sewer services effective May 1 to counter reduced revenue as a result of water restrictions and fund capital investments such as additional water and sewer lines and facilities. The rate will remain in effect until July 1, 2008 upon which time the rate will be adjusted down 0.9%, to an increase of 14% for FY09. The average monthly water/sewer bill for residential customers in FY09 is estimated to be $45.60.
To support growth in the City's aggressive storm water management program, storm water rates will rise 7%, increasing the average fee 39¢ from $5.51 to $5.90.
Employee compensation
The proposed employee compensation recommendations included a 3.5% merit increase for broadbanding employees, and public safety employees could receive a 5% pay step movement and 3.5% market adjustment. An additional $619,116 also is allocated for employees in targeted job classes that earn less than 87% of market rate.
Calendar activities
Over the next few weeks, the Mayor and Council will discuss and make adjustments to the Manager's recommendations. Citizens may sign up to provide their comments at the budget public hearing by calling the City Clerk's Office at (704) 336-2248. The full calendar of activities includes:
Public Hearing (including storm water) May 12
Council Budget Adjustments May 14
Budget Adjustments and straw votes May 28
Budget Adoption June 9
Want More Information?
Visit http://citybudget.charmeck.org or tune in to The Government Channel, Cable-16. Keep up with the latest budget developments on City Source, the City's weekly news show on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
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