No property tax hike in proposed budget
CONCORD
CONCORD — City Manager Lloyd Payne has proposed a $402.4 million budget for fiscal year 2027 that would maintain Concord's current property tax rate while continuing investments in transportation, affordable housing, public safety and infrastructure.
Payne presented the recommended spending plan to the mayor and City Council, describing it as a budget focused on maintaining city services, retaining employees and supporting long-term community priorities.
The proposed budget keeps the property tax rate at 42 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
Among the largest priorities is transportation, with $4.4 million earmarked for maintenance of city-owned streets, resurfacing projects and intersection improvements intended to ease traffic congestion.
The budget also includes $1.8 million for greenway development as the city works toward its goal of creating 30 miles of greenways by 2030. Concord currently has more than 17 miles of greenways. Funding would support construction of the Hospital Phase of the McEachern Greenway and design work for the Wolf Meadow Branch Greenway.
Another $1.8 million is dedicated to affordable housing initiatives, including continued partnerships with WeBuild Concord and other organizations working to address housing affordability challenges.
Payne's proposal continues funding for upgrades to the city's water and electric systems and maintains grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations that provide community services.
The budget also seeks to improve operational efficiency through the consolidation of some city functions while continuing investments in employee training and workplace resources.
Public safety remains a major focus. The new Fire Station 6 and the Police David District facility at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport are expected to open early in the fiscal year. The budget also funds design work for Fire Station 13 on Flowes Store Road, which city officials say will improve response times in growing areas of the community.
Additional public safety spending includes replacement of fire apparatus and police vehicles, as well as the addition of a new police K-9.
The proposal also includes funding toward the construction of a new 911 Emergency Communications and Operations Facility adjacent to Fire Station 3.
City officials say the current call center, first occupied in 1996, has become inadequate as Concord's population and emergency communications needs have grown.
Transit service could see some changes during the coming year. According to the city, budget reductions by the city of Kannapolis are expected to result in modifications to CK Rider Transit routes and schedules. Concord's proposed budget continues funding support intended to keep routes, schedules and stops within Concord largely unchanged.
The budget proposal comes as Concord was recently ranked among the safest midsize cities in the nation by SmartAsset, according to city officials.
The public hearing
City Council members received an overview of the proposed budget during an April 7 budget workshop.
The council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and continue budget discussions during its June 11 meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Residents can review the complete proposed budget and a summary online at concordnc.gov/budget or request to view a copy at the City Clerk's Office in City Hall.
The June 11 meeting also will be streamed live on the city's YouTube channel.
