In the local elections in Mecklenburg which began on Thursday, October 16 with the early voting, all voters will see on their ballot the option to choose “yes” or “no” for Referendum to charge an extra 1% sales tax , to support transportation projects in the county.
If this referendum gets the support of the voters, could generate $19.4 billion over the next 30 years for use in new transit lines, roads, bicycle and pedestrian projects, and bus improvements throughout the county.
In addition, the local government estimates that the region could receive $5.9 billion in federal grants equivalents.
Where the referendum came from
The North Carolina General Assembly approved the HN Act 948 o Law of Projects for the Advancement of Vehicle Infrastructure Improvements (PAVE) , which Governor Josh Stein signed shortly after and was signed into law on July 1.
In turn, the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners voted in August to place the sales tax referendum on the November 4 ballot in support of this law.
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Which products will have the tax increase?
To better understand, Mecklenburg County's total sales tax rate would increase from 7.25% to 8.25% .
That means I would pay $8.25 on a $100 purchase of clothing, electronics, books, or entertainment tickets.
El impact would be felt more in a shopping at the mall, than in the grocery store, since essential elements would be excluded such as gasoline, medicines and most foods.
The average household would spend an additional $20 per month, or $240 per year, according to Charlotte city estimates.
A low-income household's budget would increase by $11 per month, or $132 per year.
Visitors are expected to contribute 30% of the tax revenue, meaning residents would not bear the entire burden as they would with a property tax.
How the money would be spent
Light rail tracks
It is estimated that $7.8 billion, o 40% of the income for 30 years will be dedicated to railway construction.
La Red Line Light Rail that would go from Uptown Charlotte through northern Mecklenburg to Davidson , would be built first if the referendum is approved. State law will require at least 50% completion before other new rail lines open.
The 22-mile rail line is estimated to cost $1.38 billion and take eight to 10 years to build.
Other projects under consideration, but without estimated costs or clear timelines, include:
- La Silver Line of the light rail, which would run from the airport (the stop would be about a mile away) through Uptown to Bojangles Coliseum.
- An Gold Line streetcar extension , adding four miles of line east to Eastland Yards and two miles west to Beatties Ford Road.
- An extension of the Blue Line light rail from the Blue Line south to Pineville.
Calles
It is estimated that others $ 7.8 billion , or the 40% they will be divided Charlotte and the six municipalities of Mecklenburg County for road projects, including bike lanes, intersection improvements, streetlights, and sidewalks.
This is what each municipality is expected to achieve in the first year:
Charlotte: $ 102 millones
The "Charlotte's Mobility Investment PlanThe city's "plan" lists potential projects and specific locations, but without costs or timelines, so it's unclear what would be built first.
Cornelius: $ 5.8 millones
Davidson: $ 3.1 millones
Huntersville: $ 12.4 millones
Matthews: $ 5.4 millones
Mint Hill : $6.7 million
Pineville: $ 1.9 millones
Buses
It is estimated that $ 3.8 billion , 20% , will be allocated to improvements to CATS buses, including:
- Expand microtransit: which is a ride-sharing service you call through an app, with rides costing $2.20 or $1.10 for seniors, to an additional 100 square miles across Mecklenburg County within five years.
- Increase in frequencies of the 15 main routes buses every 15 minutes and all other routes at 30 minutes or faster.
- Build or improve 2,000 bus stops, benches, and waiting platforms in 10 years.
Who would manage the spending
If the referendum is approved, a new Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) will manage the spending. This 27-member board includes:
Ned Curran, a local real estate consultant, has already been appointed by the General Assembly, and David Longo, president of the board of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, also appointed by the General Assembly.
Another 12 members will be appointed by the City of Charlotte, including at least three Alliance recommendations and at least one small business owner.
Six members will be appointed by the County Board of Commissioners, including at least one representative from the unincorporated area and at least one small business owner.
Six members to represent each city in Mecklenburg County and one member to be appointed by the governor.
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What those who support the referendum say
Advocates say tax money is urgently needed to manage growth, reduce congestion, improve safety, and expand public transportation for economic and environmental reasons.
The Supporters call the tax an opportunity "“one in a generation” After years of negotiations to include the referendum on the ballot, advocates fear returning to "ground zero" if it is rejected.
“Nothing is perfect about this. But don’t let perfect be the enemy of good,” said Anthony Foxx, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former mayor of Charlotte, during a July forum where he said he would vote “yes” on the initiative.
El Governor Josh Stein , also expressed his support, saying in late September that “the referendum will improve security, reduce congestion, and keep the region moving and prosperous.”
Likewise, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, who said in a study that an average of 157 people move to Charlotte every day, and leads the “Yes For Meck” campaign in favor of the tax increase, argues that it is necessary to “keep up with growth and is crucial for access to jobs.
What critics of the referendum say
On the other side, they are Critics who call the tax “regressive” and bad because it affects low-income residents more and does not meet the needs of the community.
La Action NC organization , whose mission is economic equity, says this tax “uses working families like an ATM.” They argue that local leaders should consider other sources of funding, such as corporations, developers, and industries that pay their “fair share.”
On its website, the organization states that the biggest winners of the tax will be "the banks that will finance billions in loans, the corporations that benefit from public contracts, and the large developers whose projects increase in value when taxpayers foot the bill for new infrastructure. Every day, citizens will pay more at the register."
JJennifer Roberts, Former Charlotte mayor, said during an August 6 hearing before the Board of Commissioners that the tax is “aggressive” and that its impact will be felt by working people.
For its part, Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell , said the tax “represents a major shift away from federal and state funding” and shifts the costs onto ordinary people.
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