"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Our long, local nightmare is finally over…or is it?
Mecklenburg County's new budget has been a topic of heated debate for months.
Last week, the $1.35 billion dollar budget was finally approved.
You'd think there would be a sense of relief and certainty.
But I'm afraid not.
More libraries could close…the school system didn't get what it pleaded for…hundreds of county employees may still be laid off…
And for the majority of us, property taxes will go up.
Oh sure, the "tax rate" will be nominally lower.
But this year's revaluation means most of us will be forking out more money to the government.
Mr. Commissioner or Ms. Commissioner: I tell you what, I'll sell you my home today for the price you say it's worth – I'll even give you a 10% discount.
Is that a deal?
Well, I think not.
Politicians say, "Blame the economy."
But if we're still recovering from a recession…still have high unemployment, why approve a budget with a de facto tax increase?
Look, we know creating a budget is extremely difficult.
But frankly, we're tired of having YOUR hands in OUR wallets.
We just don't see any winners in this budget.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
