June 9, 2009

Charlotte, NC -- Charlotte City Council approved the FY2010 Strategic Operating Plan and FY2010—2014 Capital Investment Plan during its business meeting on Monday, June 8.  City Manager Curt Walton shaped the bulk of the budget in response to the recent recession, which resulted in dips in sales tax revenue and user fees.  The budget totals $1.85 billion and would not require a property tax increase.  It also carries forward into FY2010 $6.5 million in General Fund reductions from FY2009.  Highlights of the budget include the following:

General Fund

• Shift $4.5 million from the CIP to supplement street resurfacing.  The additional monies will allow the City to reduce the resurfacing cycle from 15 to 12 years.
• $2.8 million for one-time CMPD equipment costs for 150 new officers requested under the Federal American Recovery and Investment Act
• $500,000 reserve for the pending non-residential code enforcement ordinance
• $1.3 million for Single Stream Recycling start-up costs , which consolidates all recycling material into one collection bin
• $5.4 million for resources to service newly annexed areas such as new fire ladder and engine companies and additional solid waste, street maintenance and code enforcement crews.

Capital Investment Plan

• $6.0 million for a new Providence Division Police Station
• $7.7 million for a new Eastland area Fire Station
• $9.5 million for infrastructure improvements along North Tryon Street between Dalton Avenue and 30^th Street
• $8.0 million for Streetcar planning and design to determine project elements and total cost

Compensation/Benefits
Under the approved budget, neither broadbanding nor public safety employees will receive market or merit increases.  However, employee only health insurance premium increases will range from $3.17 to $3.37 per week, depending on the plan chosen. Employee/dependent premium increases will range from $4.48 to $5.21 per week, depending on the plan and level of coverage chosen. Employee dental premium increases will range from $.08 to $.78 per week, depending on the level of coverage chosen.   

Additional Non General Fund Highlights
In a separate vote, Council approved a 5.2% increase in residential water rates, to offset debt for capital investments and operating costs, increasing the average monthly water/sewer bill from $45.60 to $47.97. However, they did not approve a proposed change to a four-tier residential tier structure for storm water.  Instead, they opted to continue with the existing two-tier residential storm water tier structure with a 5% rate increase raising the average monthly storm water bill from $5.90 to $6.19.   

For more information on the budget visit http://citybudget.charmeck.org