Public Hearing Tonight on Proposed Tax Hike
By Dave Vieser — Cornelius taxpayers will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during the Town Board meeting tonight at 6 p.m.
If adopted, the proposed budget would increase the town tax rate by 2 cents, effective July 1. The current town tax rate is 17.31 cents per $100 of assessed property value, amounting to about $865 in local taxes for a home assessed at $500,000. A 2-cent increase would raise town taxes by about $100 annually for a home of the same value. Town taxes represent about 20% of the annual tax bill, with the remainder going to county taxes.
Most of the proposed tax increase would help address a widening pay gap for police officers, firefighters and telecommunicators compared with nearby towns. It also would help service debt tied to a portion of the park bonds approved by voters in 2024.
The first bond issuance, totaling $9.94 million, is planned for fiscal year 2027 and would focus primarily on land banking, construction of a new turf field and field lighting at JV Washam, and completion of the Bailey Road Park court facility.
Budget details were unveiled during the Town Board’s May 4 meeting and were consistent with information presented during the town’s annual budget seminar in April. Under state law, the town budget must be adopted by June 30. Commissioners also may allow additional public comment periods during upcoming meetings June 1 and June 15.
Cornelius last increased its property tax rate by 1 cent three years ago. By comparison, tax rates in neighboring towns are 22.75 cents in Huntersville and 26.6 cents in Davidson. Two years ago, Huntersville raised its property tax rate by 5.15 cents, from 17.6 cents to 22.75 cents.
The May 18 meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. It also will be live streamed on Cornelius.org
Cornelius Inn Proposal
There will be no public hearing tonight on the proposed Cornelius Inn at the intersection of Mayes Road and Sam Furr Road. The proposal will be considered by the Planning Board during a future meeting before returning to the town board for a deciding vote.
