Jan. 11. Mecklenburg County, which accounts for about two-thirds of your property tax bills, is beginning to shape the next fiscal year’s budget. The first step is a public hearing Jan. 17 at the Board of County Commissioners’ regular meeting

Speakers will have three minutes to share their thoughts.

Email comments to Clerk@MeckNC.gov.

The deadline to register online is Tuesday,  Jan. 16 at 5 p.m.

Retreat

The county commissioners will hold the annual budget retreat Jan. 24 – 26, where it will address fiscal policies and the Board’s priorities as the County Manager develops a recommended budget.

County Manager Dena R. Diorio is scheduled to present her budget recommendation on May 16, with the board adopting the new budget on June 4.

Cornelius

In Cornelius, the Town Board officially takes up the subject of next year’s budget at the Feb. 5 Town Board meeting where citizens can comment on local spending.

There will also be a budget workshop Thursday Feb. 8 at the Cain Center for the Arts.

Meanwhile, the “budget retreat” is back at Graylyn International Conference Center in Winston-Salem. The mayor, commissioners and key staffers will take a deep dive into the details of municipal budgeting March 26-27.

A citizen survey on the budget continues online through the end of February. To participate, go to: https://polco.us/n/res/profile/cornelius-nc