Even at revenue neutral, 92% of Charlotte homeowners will see tax increases

Charlotte City Councilmembers were presented with a startling statistic Thursday afternoon: Even if the city sets the tax rate at revenue neutral, 92% of Charlotte homeowners will see tax increases.

Mecklenburg County is currently in the revaluation process. Every four years, homes are assessed to determine their worth. Most homes across Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are worth much more now than they were four years ago, and come tax bill time, homeowners will have to pay up.

“We have to be careful about setting the tax rate,” Councilmember Dimple Ajmera said.

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The city’s budget director says if your home increased in value by more than 33.6%, you can expect to pay more in taxes next year. For renters, that increase will likely be passed on to them.

“This is probably the hardest hit group,” Councilman Ed Driggs said.

Not all properties are increasing in value. Several country clubs and golf courses are decreasing in value by millions. The tax assessor is basing this on their ability to make money instead of fair market value for the land, so they will pay less while homeowners pay more.

Mecklenburg County resident Kate Murphy says that’s not fair. She’s worried about revaluation’s impact on her neighbors.

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“People are really, really struggling and many members of my community are on fixed incomes. Some are depending on Section 8 housing vouchers,” she said. “All of those things are the first to go when it goes up and up and up.”

Charlotte Councilman Tariq Bokhari says people shouldn’t be distracted by golf courses. He says they should instead demand the city cuts spending to reduce the burden.

“The only solution we have is to tighten our belts, like households do when times are rough, and figure out how to cut costs and be at a revenue negative rate,” he said.

The state has tax relief programs in place for people over 65 or are disabled.

The city is exploring other income based tax relief programs that are permitted by state law.

(WATCH BELOW: New home revaluations available in Meck County)