The Charlotte City Council just approved the new $4.2 billion FY 2025 Charlotte City Budget with an 8-3 vote last night.
They spent several weeks adjusting the plan, including a 1.5-cent property tax increase. They also added $1 million for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department after the April 29th shooting that tragically left 4 officers dead.
The new budget includes a $898 million general fund, $1.2 billion for Charlotte Douglas, $326 million for CATS, and $785 million for Charlotte Water.
The FY 2025 budget includes the following key points:
- Property Tax Increase: 1.5¢ increase, split into operating (0.9¢), capital (0.3¢), and arts and culture (0.3¢).
- Employee Investments:
- 5% pay increase for hourly employees in FY 2025.
- Minimum pay raise to $23 an hour for full-time city workers.
- 4% merit pool for salaried employees.
- 5-7.5% increases for Police and Fire Pay Plan employees.
- Public Safety Enhancements:
- $1 million added for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
- 72 new Fire Department positions.
- $9 million for 911 Call Center expansion.
- $11 million for Arts and Culture.
- Housing and Infrastructure:
- $100 million housing bond.
- $238 million for transportation.
- $55 million for Strategic Investment Areas.
- $50 million for sidewalks and $20 million for Vision Zero.
- Community and Economic Development:
- $500,000 for Alternatives to Violence.
- $250,000 to reduce litter and support previously incarcerated individuals.
- $36.7 million for economic development partnerships.
- Capital Investments:
- $107 million for Fire facilities construction and renovation.
- $12.5 million to acquire land for future projects.
The new 2025 budget will take effect on July 1st.
What do you think about the new budget?
