Charlotte homeowners will pay more in city property taxes starting July 1, after City Council adopted a spending plan that prioritizes public safety hiring, pay raises for police and firefighters, and a new round of infrastructure bonds.
The 1.89-cent property tax rate increase—dedicated entirely to public safety—is the headline number in the adopted FY2027 budget, which Council passed on June 8. The full budget checks in at $4.49 billion, covering Aviation, Charlotte Area Transit System, Charlotte Water, stormwater services, and general government funds. The General Fund alone hits $1.04 billion—a 10.7% jump from last year.
Police and fire get the biggest investments
Sworn Police and Fire personnel are in line for a 10% pay increase, a move the city says is aimed at both recruiting new officers and keeping experienced ones from leaving for other departments.
On the equipment side, the budget commits $2.3 million to add Fire Engine 46 at a new infill station on Miranda Road to improve response times. The city is also spending $10 million this fiscal year to build a new helicopter hangar for the Police Department, with another $10 million planned for FY2028…