MATTHEWS, N.C. — Matthews leaders are expected to vote on next year's $25 million budget Tuesday evening, and the proposal includes a tax increase.
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The Matthews Town Manager pointed out the challenges the town is facing in the budget this year.
He said there are increasing costs that they don't have the money for right now, such as retirement contributions to town employees, increases in solid waste costs and the cost of insurance.
Matthews also needs to add four new police department positions and the fire department and emergency management services will switch to a 24-hour staffing model, which would put more firefighters on staff, rather than volunteers.
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To pay for the changes, Matthews is considering a 2.95 percent increase in the town's budget and a property rate increase.
If you have a $200,000 home in Matthews, the rate increase could mean about $40 more a year, not factoring in increasing home values.
This is the second year in a row the town has raised property taxes.
The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall.