Cabarrus Today

The Concord City Council has approved the Fiscal Year 2022 budget without changes from its prior recommendation. This decision was made unanimously during the council meeting held on June 10. The newly adopted budget aligns with the council's priorities, focusing on key projects and services that aim to improve life quality for residents.

The total city-wide budget stands at $275 million, marking a 2.3% increase from the previous fiscal year. Importantly, the city's tax rate remains at 48 cents per $100 of property valuation—a rate unchanged since 2013. For instance, a home valued at $214,000 would incur a property tax of $1,027.

City Manager Lloyd Payne expressed satisfaction with the budget's provisions: “The adopted budget maintains essential services to our citizens and businesses, and funds vital projects necessary to maintain and improve the quality of life in our growing city.” He commended Team Concord for their efforts amid pandemic challenges and voiced confidence in their capacity to fulfill future goals.

During a public hearing on the budget, council members praised staff for their performance over an unprecedented year. Council Member Brian King noted: “Each year the Council gets together and talks about goals, and it amazes me how at the end of the year staff accomplishes the goals we set forth.” Council Member John Sweat Jr. added that maintaining services without raising taxes for eight years is noteworthy: “Our employees take care of our equipment and facilities...we are proud to boast that.”

The budget aims to preserve existing facilities and services through strategic investments. The Water Resources Department will allocate over $9.1 million for improvements at water treatment plants and implement a two-percent water rate increase to sustain facilities.

In addition to preservation efforts, approximately $1.41 million from the tax rate is earmarked for affordable housing initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for those in need.

To protect infrastructure amidst rapid growth, 2.5 pennies of funding—about $3.5 million—are allocated for transportation projects like sidewalk enhancements and roadwork at key intersections.

Lastly, investments continue in enhancing residents' quality of life through parks and recreation projects funded by another cent of the tax rate ($1.41 million). Efforts include improvements at Caldwell Park and WW Flowes Park as well as transitioning solid waste services in-house.

For more information or details about specific allocations within this year's financial plan visit concordnc.gov/budget.