Cabarrus Today

City Manager Lloyd Payne has put forward the Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal to the Mayor and City Council. The focus of this budget is on essential projects aimed at maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Concord, a city experiencing growth.

“Concord continues to grow, and our aim is to ensure we are correctly positioned and have the resources available to handle this growth responsibly,” stated Payne. “Last year, we adjusted our budget during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and today we are well positioned to meet future challenges while maintaining the existing high-quality services our citizens expect and deserve.”

The total proposed city-wide budget amounts to $275,070,238 for all funds, including utilities and special revenue funds. This figure represents a 2.3% increase from the FY2021 adopted budget.

A key feature of the recommended budget is its maintenance of Concord's low tax rate at 48 cents per $100 valuation—a rate that has been steady since 2013. Under this rate, property tax for a home valued at $214,000 would be $1,027.

Investment in quality-of-life projects remains strong within this proposal. Approximately $1.4 million from one cent of the tax rate is allocated for Parks and Recreation projects aimed at improving facilities and outdoor opportunities. This includes funding for a new park in Northwest Concord as well as upgrades to Caldwell Park and WW Flowe Park. Another cent from the tax rate continues to support affordable housing initiatives as mandated by City Council.

Given Concord's rapid growth, part of the budget focuses on infrastructure improvements such as pedestrian safety enhancements with plans for safer sidewalks and intersection upgrades like those at Poplar Tent Road and Harris Road. These efforts are designed to sustain infrastructure demands alongside city expansion.

Rate increases are also part of this proposal, including a two-percent hike in water rates to accommodate system growth needs and a minor increase in solid waste fees due to rising recyclable processing costs from FY20 and FY21.

The City Council previously held a workshop following an April 6 work session where Payne presented his recommendations seeking feedback from council members. A public hearing on this budget will occur during the June 10 City Council meeting. Residents interested in reviewing details can access Payne’s FY22 recommended budget online or view it at the City Clerk’s office.