http://66.225.205.104/LM20110608.mp3
Mecklenburg County commissioners narrowly approved a budget Tuesday night that will raise taxes for just over half of county residents. There weren't any surprises last night. Commissioners adopted the budget they agreed on last week and they did so along party lines. Chairwoman Jennifer Roberts read a statement signed by the commission's five Democrats. "The Democrats on the board support this budget and plan to vote for this budget because it represents a fair compromise and a balance between keeping our community affordable and supporting the priorities of education and work force development that are vital for our future," read Roberts. The budget gives CMS an extra $26 million over last year. It also sends $3 million additional dollars to the library system and an extra $2 million to the park and recreation department. Last year, the board chose to cut both those areas by about a third. The new tax rate will be set at about 81.66 cents per $100 assessed value. That's about two cents lower than it is now. With the revaluation, that means 56 percent of county residents will pay more. Commissioner Karen Bentley said her fellow Republicans had a good proposal that would have kept the tax rate revenue-neutral while increasing money for CMS. "I'm dismayed at the characterization that Republicans are not friends of people that seek money from the taxpayers," said Bentley. "But I think it's high time that we are vocal behind this dais as being advocates for the people that are paying the bills. I think our proposal was fair. We knew it was DOA. But we had to at least have a discussion." The budget does include a $2 million cut to the Department of Social Services. Some of those savings will be found by freezing 36 vacant positions. County officials say that will increase wait times at DSS facilities. The school board meets Wednesday afternoon to determine how many jobs the extra county money will save.