Regarding our fiscal query:
I am in favor of a tax cut (revenue negative) budget to help stimulate the local economy. Normally, ‘revenue neutral’ means that some parts of the city (usually the inner-city) go up at a slower pace than others (usually suburbia). Over the last several valuations; suburban homes have been hard hit by ‘revenue neutral’ budgets which were tax increases in disguise. Any revaluation budget should include the 10 to 15% reduction in the value of houses that has and is occurring through 12-31-2008. Right now, I am not sure that the downturn from Wachovia and Wall Street will be in the value sent out to homeowners as of January 1, 2009. If it isn’t reflected in that value, the assessed value will be higher than it should be and the taxes collected when the rate resets next year will be as well. If Charlotte’s leaders want the local economy to get back on its feet and recover quickly we should cut taxes, put more money in property owners pockets to lessen the effect of layoffs and a the decrease in spending that comes with the recent economic downturn. I am pretty sure my views are a minority one on the current board.
Regards,
Commissioner Bill James (R, District 6)
Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners
