44% Tax Increase for Weddington Residents

In prior years, those in Weddington did not pay taxes to the county for fire service because the town provided service through a contract with the Wesley Chapel Volunteer Fire Department.   Council and the mayor decided not to renew our contract this year and instead asked the county to start collecting taxes so they can provide our fire service.  Little information was provided about the reasons for this change but we were told it should not cause us to pay any additional money in taxes.  Unfortunately, this was incorrect.  The county fire tax rate for those in Weddington is set at 3.98 cents whereas previously no taxes were paid to the county for this service.  Because the town no longer has the expense for fire service, it was announced that the municipal tax rate had been adjusted from 4.5 to 2.5 cents to account for the increase we will pay to the county.  Although our municipal tax rate went down 2 cents we added 3.98 which means we missed the mark if our taxes were to remain the same. 

Last year’s crime statistics were publicly shared by representatives from the Union County Sheriff’s Office at a town meeting.  On average Weddington has less than two significant calls for service during a 24-hour period of time.  We were told we were doing well with our three, full-time, contracted deputies currently assigned to Weddington.  There was no recommendation from the Sheriff’s Office for us to contract additional deputies.  The three deputies we currently have work seven days a week during peak hours to supplement coverage already provided by the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau, who work our county around the clock.  After being provided this information by our local law enforcement professionals, town council and the mayor voted to budget an additional $195,000 to add two more full-time deputies this year.  Council said they want to try this change to see how it works and if it doesn’t seem necessary, we can change it back to be in line with the recommendation and advice given by the Sheriff’s Office. 

Another area of increased spending this year is 200,000 dollars for site improvements and maintenance for the proposed amphitheater and town park.  Town council and the mayor have expressed a desire to build a park on the 3.3-acre lot behind the shopping center, next to the town hall and Weddington Matthews Road.  Recent federal and state tax dollars obtained through grants have spurred this effort on.  The grant would help cover the initial construction but it is unclear how much.  Council would like to build the park and amphitheater in phases and ideas have been gleaned from other municipalities in our area to help provide a vision for our town.  Council spent time sharing their ideas of what they would like to see.  The entire property would probably need to be fenced for safety since it’s in a high-traffic and busy commercial area.  Council members shared a desire for a walking path around the small lot, a playground, restrooms, and an amphitheater where a symphony could perform and other concerts could be held.  A sheltered area with picnic tables, pads for food trucks, and an area for parking were also proposed to be incorporated into the design.  The desire for security cameras and good lighting was also mentioned because of security concerns.  Council asked that town staff start getting quotes for the project.  Ideas are still being discussed and no final decisions have been made apart from the $200,000 allocated for annual maintenance and upkeep after the multi-phase construction project is complete.        

Historically, keeping taxes low in Weddington has been achieved through the simplicity of our small town.  Low taxes are one of our greatest allures and it’s what makes us unique.  As each of us pay more this year it’s important we understand why.  

We want to have confidence that all decisions being made are well-thought-out and properly explained.  The reasons for each change should be clearly articulated so we know how it benefits each of us and our town.