July 2. By Dave Vieser. A special meeting of the Mecklenburg County Commissioners will take place on Wednesday July 30 to discuss placing a referendum on the November ballot which could bring significant improvements to the area’s transportation network, including the Red Line Commuter Rail route line between Lake Norman and Charlotte.

Gov. Josh Stein signed legislation this week which will permit a voter referendum to increase the sales tax in Mecklenburg County by one cent. The proceeds would not only help fund the Red Line commuter rail line, but also the east-west Silver Line light rail, an extended Gold Line streetcar, more buses, and road widening and expansion throughout Mecklenburg County.

Local leaders applauded the development.

Quotable

Mayor Woody Washam / Dave Yochum photo

“I am pleased that the General Assembly and governor have granted Mecklenburg County the authority to place a transit/roads one cent sales tax on the ballot in November,” said Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam. “Assuming the County Commissioners approve, the matter will then be up to the citizens to vote and decide the future of transit and road construction in our towns for many years to come.  The final decision would be in the hands of the people this November as it should be.”

What’s next

County Commissioners are expected to vote on placing the referendum on the ballot at their Aug. 6 meeting.