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Mecklenburg commissioners pass budget unanimously

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - For all the controversy that had surrounded this year's Mecklenburg County budget, the final vote was not very dramatic.

Republicans and Democrats joined together to pass the county budget by a 9-0 vote.

Meanwhile, North Carolina lawmakers are still trying to get their budget in order.

Governor Bev Perdue says our state ranks number three in the nation for biggest budget problems.

This means Mecklenburg County commissioners will most likely have to slash funds even more in the near future.

"We may see a budget where we have to come back in August or September for the first time since anyone can remember and actually rework our budget," said County Commission Chair Jennifer Roberts.

The budget passed Tuesday night already makes big cuts to CMS and other county services.

Most of the commissioners had positive things to say about it Tuesday night.

Some pointed out that it doesn't raise taxes.

Others think it makes the best of a very bad financial situation.

Republican Neil Cooksey leveled some criticism, though, before ultimately voting in favor of the budget.  Cooksey says he can't understand how certain things are still being funded while teacher jobs are being cut.

WBTV will be at tonight's commission meeting and we'll have the latest details about the budget on WJZY at 10 p.m. and WBTV at 11 p.m.