Ballantyne, NC - The hot topic for this August 6th morning meeting was cutting budgets. Former School Board member, Ken Gjertsen was talking about C.M.S. and ideas to save money. Can schools be used as community centers? What about using libraries as community centers? Several people talked about ideas on consolidating local governments. A crisis will always drive the need for consolidation. There needs to be better communication and coordination between C.M.U.D. and the Parks and Recreation Departments. Can the city build greenways AFTER installing new pipes for water and sewer? Can city bus drivers coordinate to also drive school buses? Should Charlotte be divided into districts in order to consolidate local governments in a better fashion?
The next city council meeting will be on August 23rd. This just might be a long meeting for the council. The tree ordinance is one of many items on the agenda. The America Forestry Website lists the target tree canopy percentage range between 44% – 46%. These same recommendations have been amended for Charlotte and they are now suggesting 50% for our city. The city has an approved tree list, fifty percent of the trees must be native. Harry Jones, the county manager, has stated that the public forums coming soon will be “messy”. The city is also coordinating more locational public housing forums soon. George Dunlap, a county commissioner, recently recommended an increase in the local sales tax from 8.25% to 8.5%. Mr. Dunlap’s concern was to raise more money for road improvements. Dumont Clarke, the board of county commissioners, would like to use $3.5 million in tax money for the libraries.
Mayor Anthony Foxx now has a new board: The Charlotte Area Housing Board. The board’s charge is to deal with all housing policies. Warren Cooksey has suggested this board needs fewer politicians, more lawyers, more real estate professionals and financial professionals.
The City of Charlotte has a AAA rating and can borrow money at 2.6%. Can we consolidate local government. Will this new “one” government be full-time? How will the debt be consolidated since the county and the city manage debt very differently? There is talk that with one government that C.M.S would be given tax authority.
Next week the city’s committees will be meeting. James Mitchell will be the new chairperson of the Economic Development Committee. The Safety, Transportation and Housing and Neighborhood Development Committees will also be meeting.
Susan J. Spaulding
Public Policy Writer
Ballantyne Scoop
