Ed Driggs

Plans for toll lanes on I-77 South in Charlotte may be reconsidered after initial rejection, with a re-vote scheduled for Sept. 23 ahead of a state budget deadline. Opposing communities could face repaying over $60 million in project costs, and Charlotte City Council previously voted 6-5 against the project despite ongoing discussions to revive it.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed a $34 billion budget with increased education funding and teacher pay raises, while imposing a financial penalty on Charlotte for withdrawing support from the I-77 widening project. The budget raises starting teacher pay from $41,000 to $48,000 but offers smaller increases for veteran teachers, sparking concerns about equity. Charlotte city council members have 90 days to reverse their decision to avoid repaying $60 million in state funds.

Mecklenburg County's sales tax rate increased from 7.25% to 8.25% after voter approval, generating $19 billion over 30 years for infrastructure projects. Charlotte households will pay an average of $20/month more in sales tax, while property taxes rose by 1.89 cents per $100 of assessed value to fund police and fire departments. Prescription drugs, groceries, and soon diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products are exempt from the sales tax.

Senator Vickie Sawyer proposed an amendment requiring Charlotte to reimburse the state for $60 million in costs related to the I-77 expansion project after the city rescinded its support. Charlotte City Council members Victoria Watlington and Ed Driggs expressed opposing views, with Watlington criticizing the amendment as punitive and Driggs acknowledging potential liability for the city.

Charlotte may need to repay the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for a rejected I-77 South toll plan. Ed Driggs stated that the General Assembly's decision should have been anticipated.