It has been a busy and difficult six months on the Commission.  We began the year with our Annual Planning Retreat.  During our retreat, the Board determined our priorities for FY2010.  These priorities, in turn, help the County Manager determine funding priorites as he develops the budget.  Additionally, our Board made a decision to defer issuing over $250 million in bonds due to our already-heavy debt burden.  To your left, I have included the link containing the budget documents and commentary around budget-related topics.  Please refer to this link for a detailed summary of the budget and the budget process.

 

I have also been busy on your behalf.  Here is a taste of what I've been up to:

 

1.  In October 2008, I urged my colleagues on the Board to delay the property revaluation that was scheduled to occur in 2009.  By law, Counties are required to revalue properties every eight years.  We are currently at year six.  In early January, our Board voted unanimously to delay the revaluation until 2011.  Although this puts a squeeze on County property tax revenues and may be unfair for some taxpayers, many folks find their personal budgets squeezed due to the economic downturn and I felt it was best for the majority of taxpayers to delay the revaluation of personal property.

 

2.  As our County Manager rolled out his budget proposal in early May, he indicated that the unicorporated areas of Mecklenburg County - most of which exists in District One - would experience an "unavoidable" increase in their Law Enforcement Service District tax.  I found this to be unacceptable.  At my urging, the County Manager re-negotiated with the City of Charlotte and there will now be no increase in that tax (known as the LESD tax).  In addition, I met recently with the Chiefs of Police for Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville to discuss police service in the unicorporated areas.  It is my belief that there may exist a better, more cost effective way to provide police service to those taxpayers living in unicorporated Mecklenburg County.  I will continue to work on a solution through the County's Criminal Justice Committee.

 

3.  Tune into WTVI Channel 42 starting this Monday, June 8, at 6:30pm, for "The Commish".  This is a series of interviews with each Commissioner focusing on issues of import to them.  It is a great way to learn more about each individual Commissioner.  Thus far, I have filmed at Jetton Park, Torrence Creek Elementary School and the US National Whitewater Center.  For future broadcasts, I would like to profile people in Distric One who are making important contributions in Mecklenburg County.  If you, or someone you know, would like to be profiled, please send me an e-mail at karen.bentley@mecklenburgcountync.gov. 

As always, I look forward to your feedback.  I can be contacted at the e-mail above or at 704-432-3997. 

 

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Sincerely,

Commissioner Karen Bentley