Charlotte’s plan to pay for transportation needs across Mecklenburg County would increase how much you’ll pay for many goods. But by how much depends on what you’re buying.
County commissioners are expected to vote next month to put a referendum on the November ballot on whether to increase Mecklenburg’s sales tax rate by 1 cent to pay for rail, road and bus projects.
Supporters say the tax increase would unlock tens of billions to overhaul the region’s congested roadways, improve bus service and build long-awaited train lines. But critics say the increase in a regressive tax — one that takes a larger percentage of income from low-income taxpayers than from high-income taxpayers — could hit residents’ wallets hard…