Charlotte City Council Business Meeting: June 10, 2024 – Budget, Stadium, and Youth Crime

On June 10, 2024, the Charlotte City Council held a business meeting at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. The meeting included an action review session (5:00 PM) and a regular business meeting (6:30 PM). The council adopted the FY2025 operating budget and capital investment plan, heard presentations on the Bank of America Stadium improvements project and a youth behavioral health facility (Katie Blessing Center), and approved several routine items including consent agenda, public hearings, and bond referendums.

Consent Calendar

• Items 27–29 (reflective roadway marking materials, marketing services for tree canopy, and a property transaction for a storm drainage project) were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak at the public hearings for annexation or right-of-way closures. However, for the Bank of America Stadium discussion, the city reported 455 online comments and 5,200 visitors to the project website. Themes included concerns about using funds for other priorities, opportunities for local businesses, and the need for city protections. Council members requested a separate public hearing before the vote on June 24; the mayor noted that a public comment period would be held on that date.

Discussion Items

Bank of America Stadium Improvements Project

• Staff and consultant David Abrams (Inner Circle Sports) presented an overview of NFL stadium trends, noting that public funding for new stadiums ranges from 0% to over 50%, and that renovations often see higher public shares. The proposed city investment of $650 million (from hospitality and tourism funds, not general fund) would be capped and tied to a non-relocation agreement through 2045. The team would contribute $431 million in capital improvements and cover operational costs and cost overruns. Council members questioned the structure, seeking performance metrics, a capital asset management plan, and protections for the city. Councilmember Driggs emphasized the need for enforceable commitments, while Councilmember Ajmera requested a detailed payment and timeline schedule. The deal is scheduled for a committee meeting on June 12 and a potential vote on June 24.

Youth Crime Reduction (Katie Blessing Center)

• Staff presented a policy referral to reduce juvenile crime. Statistics showed juvenile suspects in gun incidents up 33%, property crime suspects up 86%, and auto thefts up 192% (2021–2023). Among 3,773 unique juvenile arrestees, the top 1% (38 individuals) accounted for 859 arrests. The council unanimously supported a $2.5 million investment (from ARPA interest) in the Katie Blessing Center, a proposed 72-bed pediatric behavioral health facility (ages 5–18) in the Central Avenue corridor. The total project cost is $62.5 million, with $41.5 million already committed from the foundation, state, county, and Alliance Health. The facility would provide urgent care, inpatient, residential, and outpatient services. Council members expressed strong support, noting the link between mental health and crime.

FY2025 Operating Budget and Capital Investment Plan

• Councilmember Mitchell moved to restore $65 million in bond program reductions (for sidewalks, corridors, and strategic investments) by adjusting pay-go street resurfacing and general fund supplements, preserving the 1.37¢ property tax increase. The $4.17 billion budget includes $100 million for affordable housing, $11 million for arts and culture, $55 million for strategic investment areas, $50 million for sidewalks, $25 million for corridors, $20 million for Vision Zero, and $4.5 million for juvenile crime reduction. Employee pay increases include a 5% raise for hourly workers, a 4% merit pool for salaried, and enhanced police/fire pay. The budget also funds 72 new fire positions, 10 animal control positions, and 15 telecommunications positions. Several council members praised the collaborative process, but Councilmembers Driggs, Bokhari, and one other voted against, citing concerns about debt and tax increases.

Key Outcomes

• FY2025 Budget Adopted: Passed with three dissenting votes. The tax rate is 27.41¢ per $100 (1.37¢ increase). Water and sewer fees increase 5.75%, storm water fees 4.9%, and solid waste fee from $94.64 to $104.05 annually.
• General Obligation Bond Referendum: Introduced three bond orders ($238.3M for streets, $61.7M for neighborhood improvements, $100M for housing) and set a public hearing for June 24, 2024. Approved with two dissenting votes (Bokhari and Driggs).
• General Obligation Refunding Bonds: Approved to issue up to $70 million to refund 2014A bonds.
• Storm Water Refunding Revenue Bonds: Approved up to $205 million to refund 2022 bond anticipation notes and 2012/2014 bonds.
• Annexation and Right-of-Way Closures: Approved River Point Area annexation (54.192 acres, 193 single-family units) and three street/alley closures (Ashley Road, Coker Avenue, Johoy Drive).
• Nominations: Appointments to several boards and commissions were approved, including the Charlotte International Cabinet, CRVA, Charlotte Water Advisory, and others.
• Next Steps: The stadium project will be discussed in a special committee meeting on June 12; a final council vote is expected June 24. The juvenile crime referral will return to committee in September for additional recommendations.