May 15. By Dave Yochum. Mecklenburg County Manager Dena R. Diorio is proposing a $2.5 billion budget with a 1.6%, or $39 million, increase over the current budget which ends June 30. It would mean a county tax rate of 49.27 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, or a 0.96-cent increase in the county tax rate.

The owners of a property valued at $500,000 would pay about $48 a year more in Mecklenburg County taxes.

County officials said the new budget targets economic development, education, environmental stewardship, health equity and wellness, services for seniors and workforce development, as well as reducing racial disparities.

The proposed budget cuts $13.8 million in discretionary funding to limit the county tax increase.

County revenues are growing slower than expenses. To review the recommended budget, click here.

Quotable

“After three years of robust sales tax growth following the pandemic, future sales tax revenues are projected to grow at levels less than 3%.”

Local impact

The county budget comprises about two-thirds of a typical property owner’s tax bill, with the remainder due to the Town of Cornelius, or whatever local municipality in which the property is located.

Town Manager Andrew Grant’s proposed $39.4 million budget for fiscal year 2026 would, if approved, retain the same property tax rate—17.31 cents per $100 assessed value—for another year.

The total property tax on a $500,000 home would be $3,328.50 if the proposed budgets are approved in Cornelius and Mecklenburg County.
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