CHARLOTTE -- Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio is calling for a property tax increase in her $1.7 billion budget proposal.

  • Meck Count Manager calling for property tax increase for education.
  • 3/4 of a cent property tax raise.
  • Would add around $18.75 per year for a property valued at $250,000. 

In the recommendations, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) would receive an addition $24 million which includes funding for more guidance counselors, social workers, psychologists and security enhancements.

But she isn't recommending any additional money for teacher supplement pay.

"They [Teachers] did the right thing. They marched to Raleigh which is where those decisions get made and that's where the funding needs to come from,” said Diorio.

The county manager also wants to invest $9 million for early childhood education which would create 33 new Pre-K classrooms. She’s also recommending another $700,000 for the county's child care subsidy programs. Diorio said this would help educate more than 800 children.

CMS Superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox believe this is a good initiative for the community.

 “All too often we have kids who come to us in kindergarten who are starting so far behind its very difficult to catch them up, if you're able to at all. So I think is the right thing for the county to do,a and for the community,” said Dr. Wilcox.

But all this comes at a cost. Diorio is calling for a 3/4 of a cent property tax raise. That increase adds up to $18.75/year for a home valued at $250,000.

“I think this is a modest tax increase and I think what we get for our dollars is worth it so I feel pretty comfortable that I can make the case that it’s the right thing to do,” said Diorio.      

Commissioners haven't approved a tax hike in five years and some believe they that shouldn't change.

"I’m concerned with the notion that all four-year-olds in the county getting Pre-K,” said Vice Chairman Jim Puckett, (R) Mecklenburg County Commissioner.  “I don’t think we need to subsidize every four-year-old in the county. I’m interested in how much actually need the help and how many people can handle that on their own."

There will be a public hearing about these recommendations on June 4.