Decision on Transportation Tax Hinges on Mecklenburg Voters' Opinion of 28 Words
Mecklenburg County is set to decide on a proposed one-cent sales tax increase to fund a comprehensive $20 billion package of transportation projects. The referendum, if approved by county commissioners, will appear on the November ballot.
If passed, the tax would be countywide, specifically dedicated to transit improvements. The aim is to create a more walkable, connected, and livable community by upgrading current infrastructure.
A new transit authority would be established to oversee the system, with a 27-member board appointed by Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, surrounding towns, and state leaders, including those from Raleigh.
The proposed tax has sparked debate. Supporters highlight the potential infrastructure and transit improvements, while opponents raise equity concerns, noting that low-income residents might disproportionately bear the tax burden without commensurate benefits.
The Board of Commissioners has approved the language for the referendum, and public hearings and votes are underway ahead of the November ballot. If the referendum passes, 40% of the new money would go towards roads projects, 20% to the region's bus system, and 40% to transit projects including rail.
Larry Shaheen, a transportation attorney, stated that local leaders would still fund the rail projects they've already committed to. However, some commissioners have expressed concerns about the language surrounding rail. For instance, Commissioner Rodriguez-McDowell voted against the section of the resolution with the percentage split, citing these concerns.
The 1-cent tax increase would be permanent, according to Shaheen, to account for future shifts in transportation strategies. Notably, Shaheen also mentioned the possibility of technologies not being rail thirty to forty years from now.
It's important to note that the multi-page resolution will not appear on the ballot; it serves as a framework to provide context for the ballot language. Commissioners approved a resolution about the referendum, with some sections having dissenting votes. The ballot language is concise, occupying only one sentence.
Meier and Rodriguez-McDowell voted against the ballot language, stating it was unclear enough for voters about the tax increase. Nevertheless, the stage is set for Mecklenburg County voters to decide on this significant infrastructure investment in November 2025.
The proposed tax increase, if passed, would not only be countywide but specifically allocated to transit improvements, such as buses and rail systems, as part of the $20 billion transportation package. The ballot language, however, has been met with criticism from Commissioners Meier and Rodriguez-McDowell, who find it unclear regarding the tax increase and its implications.
