Matthews budget: no new taxes, fees

[News Desk]

Observer Staff Reports
Posted: Tuesday, Jun. 09, 2009

There will be no new taxes and no increase in fees in fiscal year 2009-2010 for anyone who lives or does business in Matthews.

But there also will be no pay raises and very little hiring in the town.

The town's board approved the 2009-2010 budget Monday night, calling for spending 2.78 percent less than in the current fiscal year. The property tax rate will remain at 33.25 cents per $100 valuation.

"This is a difficult time for everyone," Matthews Town Manager Hazen Blodgett said. "We are holding our own with this budget. We are deferring or delaying equipment, vehicles, staff training, and employee items until the economy improves."

The town expects a 2 percent decrease in property tax revenues and a 9.2 percent drop in sales and excise tax income.

In addition, Matthews will transfer $330,361 from its "rainy day" fund to help meet the $17.9 million budget.

Among other items in the budget:

-- Open positions will remain frozen unless they are for public safety or critical needs.

-- The budget allows for the purchase of four police vehicles.

-- The recycling program will be expanded to apartments.

-- The budget for street repaving will be maintained.

-- Money was approved to buy gear and other supplies for the fire department.

Read the original story at the Charlotte Observer Online