Charlotte Leaders Consider Property Tax Increase To Address Public Safety Vacancies

Charlotte City Council members announced Monday they might raise property taxes to fill police and fire department vacancies and increase pay for public safety workers. The city lacks about 300 sworn police officers this year. That's a 9% vacancy rate. Firefighters face a 2% vacancy rate.

"We need to make meaningful steps. Steps that involve money, and not just shuffling or brave words," said councilman Ed Driggs, according to The Charlotte Observer.

The city has raised property tax rates once in the last seven years — by 1.37 cents in 2024. The current rate stands at 27.41 cents per $100 in value.

City Manager Marcus Jones told council members the municipality has exhausted other options. "Many times, council says before you come back for a property tax increase show me that you've done everything," Jones said. "I'm telling you we've done just about everything."

A tax increase could help raise salaries for public safety employees. It might improve recruitment and retention too. The vacancy shortage creates a slight drop in service delivery, Jones explained.

Starting pay for police recruits sits at $59,509. That's nearly $5,000 below the national average, according to city data presented Monday. Starting pay for firefighter trainees is $56,710 — nearly $3,000 above the national average. Top pay for both firefighters and officers falls below what other cities offer.

Neither salary supports the city's cost of living. Council members Kimberly Owens and LaWana Slack-Mayfield agree. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson has suggested 10% raises.

Councilmember Dimple Ajmera said the rising vacancy rate is concerning. "As the chief said at the hearing that, we are falling behind when we compare our city to other neighboring towns and municipalities," Ajmera said, according to WFAE.

Much of the vacancy rate comes from retirements. Between 80 and 90 officers reach that milestone each year. The sworn police officer vacancy rate rose from 8.6% in 2025 to 9% this year.

Councilwoman Dante Anderson said firefighters and police should grow together. The city has reached "a point of inflection" that could require a tax increase if it wants to double down on public safety for both departments.

The city will present a budget in May. Public hearings and debate will happen next. The council will then vote on a final budget to take effect July 1.