In the latest outrageous misuse of taxpayer money, the Charlotte Business Journal has just announced that a heavily subsidized water park outside of Charlotte has just released its annual report and estimates a $1.7 million loss. By heavily subsidized, we’re talking 300 acres of land donated by Mecklenburg County, $12 million in operating expenses over the next seven years courtesy of the taxpayers of Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties, and $5 million for a road project to pave the entrance to the park.
There is already talk of whether officials in counties across North Carolina will put the sales or transfer tax increase options on the ballot in upcoming elections. Perhaps the taxpayers would be wise to look at the way their money is currently being spent before giving any more of it up for “critical” government services like water parks. For other outrageous spending of local tax money, revisit our series on municipal golf courses, example found here.
