Mecklenburg County Commissioners gathered to discuss the next fiscal year’s budget. During the meeting commissioners learned why there may be a case to have a pause on some big projects.
Commissioners are looking to launch a comprehensive review of the current five-year capital improvement plan that funds projects like new libraries to greenways, due to potential shortfalls starting in 2031. Officials said changes would not affect projects already underway.
They trace the funding issue to spending concerns and a lack of sufficient state funding. Changes to the plan could result in shifting $30 million from building future projects to maintaining current operations. During the meeting, County Commissioner Elaine Powell supported pausing the plan.
"Glad that We're thinking about how to get our arms around expenses, I'm glad it's on a pause," Powell said. "My understanding is it's just one year, and then reevaluate, like we're not pausing more than one year for that $30 million. I'd really like to know, what would happen if the state started funding what they're supposed to fund. We wouldn't even be in this position."
Commissioners will meet in April to discuss the plan before approving the full budget this summer.
