[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6234512,"mediaKeyId","3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab","parentId",3411110,"title","Residents raise taxes, homelessness and teacher pay concerns during public comment","audioSeconds",322,"startMs",1114000,"endMs",1436000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab&start=1114&end=1436","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab/thumbnail_1114000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6234512/Cabarrus-County/North-Carolina/Residents-raise-taxes-homelessness-and-teacher-pay-concerns-during-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234512-ecb4f4b4da4a92da470baecbf8ced0dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148482&Signature=F-abMBhB2hf48xwXELKHxknD7wYl8tvwac9i17NIWPadJ5KvLpkKyfOEFuHOC2SGjalpTGqp68c-EM0I25mJNX02zjSD0P0887MSA0bFhCNRkXFrgtCIcP2H89GPklT7zyfq3BmHfmO6XkmVQdfLarOFEe6-qNDjSaiUrNhbHfd0E7zeRoBPIFcyk2D57HZ75FKD0T1sb-qC8JaltiKgUvmIF~iCjkUcA9Hu56f30fVPihzC9q9dd1OKwnTbOWvKrWh5Yf1D8z~GOgqMg7ntYL2Q8OIaaQEjqjOBNoA41pCnjtngsalUvdz91u5t7naG26IE2nBnpMRMI9CIuEG9MA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cabarrus County, NC","date","2025-05-20T02:33:07Z","article","Several residents spoke during the informal public-comment period at the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 19, highlighting concerns about rising property tax assessments, services for people experiencing homelessness and the county’s historical practice of teacher supplements.

Chris Cranston told commissioners he first attended meetings after his property tax assessment more than doubled and criticized what he described as a lack of transparency and denied opportunities for citizen speech. “My more than double tax assessment was why I first came,” Cranston said.

Ingrid Nurse, identifying herself as a concerned resident, said she had spoken with people experiencing homelessness who described urgent needs, including “a safe place to park and sleep, access to mobile showers, and services for their pets.” Nurse urged commissioners to consider what protections and new initiatives are under consideration to address those needs.

Keisha Sandage, a taxpayer and frequent commenter, called for restraint on new administrative spending and singled out a recently discussed executive-assistant position she said would cost about $56,000. Sandage also urged commissioners to maintain the county’s tradition of supporting teacher supplements to help keep teachers in the county.

Wesley Honeycutt recounted conversations about tax increases and local incentives and urged commissioners to listen to residents who may not come to the microphone themselves. Rich Wise used his comment time to invite commissioners to a Town of Midland veteran memorial event.

Commissioners did not take immediate action on the public comments; the remarks were entered into the record for follow-up and for consideration during the upcoming budget deliberations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cabarrus County BOC Regular Meeting 05.19.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents used the May 19 public-comment period to urge commissioners to address rising property taxes, unmet needs among people experiencing homelessness and continued support for teacher supplements.","taxTitle","Cabarrus County, North Carolina","taxId",13706,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234517,"Commissioners adopt resolution supporting Cabarrus County Sports Hall of Fame at arena",306,3328000,3634000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab&start=3328&end=3634","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab/thumbnail_3328000.jpg","/articles/6234517/Cabarrus-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-adopt-resolution-supporting-Cabarrus-County-Sports-Hall-of-Fame-at-arena","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234517-3a2493be63b9ed8f2994051339d5667d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148482&Signature=WqznuC1qmmfcbbsfPQoUukqnbABH8lwViYZsbbZ-JuhhN2uMhuN-GfQSh0~IlT~flmKOc2eO4cf~fwUrVElMAawZlxwiNrqz8kdPBAx2B1StgEasmDtyK2KE8vefj8jUZY1qe0wkzd0TJY5ZSWpRMsIVPsaRYdxG~IfC2LgkroUCFAGddKeld82JpnixrwdJYfF26vYC0rsEMpeY4TPu4greRRDvAIWZJgYuvWvQYWWSLUfbLbxBgqUgXN1EZaMCTOeij0NWKWGDjzED0JvlPQS57Cj0yiOkNfrqf9JGQgWHOqLrIrYvcpWNeYz-DWM4NbCPjALy~~pCm0SjbimQrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners on May 19 adopted a resolution expressing official support for hosting the Cabarrus County Sports Hall of Fame at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center.

Commissioner Kenny Wortman read the resolution and the board voted unanimously to approve it. The resolution states the board’s intention to honor athletes, teams, coaches and contributors who promoted sports in Cabarrus County and to provide a home for the Hall of Fame at the arena and events center.

Jimmy Alton and other officers of the sports hall of fame accepted the resolution and described plans for an exhibit and a ceremony; the group said its goal is to have 93 inductees and six state championship teams featured by Dec. 6. Hall of Fame representatives thanked the board for the formal recognition and support.

The board’s vote was by voice and recorded as unanimous; there was no financial appropriation tied to the resolution in the motion presented at the meeting.","The board unanimously approved a resolution to host the Cabarrus County Sports Hall of Fame at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center and presented the resolution to Hall of Fame leaders at the May 19 meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234523,"Board fills early-childhood and senior-center advisory seats, removes member for attendance",155,2463000,2618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab&start=2463&end=2618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab/thumbnail_2463000.jpg","/articles/6234523/Cabarrus-County/North-Carolina/Board-fills-early-childhood-and-senior-center-advisory-seats-removes-member-for-attendance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234523-ad47471fcb9c443db3020d8182c798dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148482&Signature=oZXXnbbJlOeKubBJy2iCSPsMMJiDJvhrkB7z4Dt6hQqwDjm5qEmenaF9AunmEiA8Z9OTNlJRagNDqsvXskqkfbdlyJYwmoD4ZNh3tU9Vwsd8CktzyL6-ioqLcHTJ65jFq-0a0~UdTyVsf8GMsR8iiA11rjyW8xNtXkV7ZZvCxcdCmjQX48h2MFK~hgyAJfdd0ianPiuPLifb6i7yi5QIe17eeyFYRqSIIqZE0Ft-joASGz29dbF8Ww04vaqwFLee~feCaCP6E32SHXfjYTZfZjHPf9bT3n2vGINTtj4cpCDvYLrLDnFUChrFCnwPO~azsxIFcC64gNNhlyXyXTmLFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners voted on May 19 to fill multiple advisory board seats and to remove a member from a nursing-home advisory committee.

The board unanimously appointed Jennifer Threadgill (seat 5), Annalee Taylor (seat 6) and Willmarie Austin (seat 16) to the Early Childhood Task Force Advisory Board, with terms expiring Feb. 28, 2029. The board discussed term limits and staff’s vetting process during the work-session review of applicants before voting.

On the Senior Center Advisory Council the board appointed six people: Myra Baumgarner (seat 4, term expiring Dec. 31, 2027) through a motion that noted her long service and a board decision to allow an exception consistent with the board’s appointment policy; Ronnie Tucker (seat 6); Del Udi (seat 5); Christine Barrier (seat 7); Teresa Small (seat 10); and Steve Ayers (seat 11). The board cited the desire to bring new community members into advisory roles while preserving institutional knowledge for an orderly transition.

The board also voted unanimously to remove Valerie Miller from the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee for failing to meet attendance requirements, a removal staff said is consistent with state guidance provided to that committee.

Most appointments were approved by voice vote with no recorded dissents. Several commissioners noted they had reviewed applicant packets and that some applicants were not included in the packet because of the application deadline tied to the work session.

These appointments take effect immediately; specific terms and any exceptions were recorded at the meeting.","At the May 19 meeting the board appointed three people to the early childhood task force, filled six seats on the senior center advisory council (including an exception to retain a long-serving member), and voted to remove one member from the nursing home community advisory committee for failing to meet attendance requirements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234528,"County manager proposes FY26 budget that holds tax rate, backs higher school funding",243,3680000,3923000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab&start=3680&end=3923","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab/thumbnail_3680000.jpg","/articles/6234528/Cabarrus-County/North-Carolina/County-manager-proposes-FY26-budget-that-holds-tax-rate-backs-higher-school-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234528-d614864e7e8562ecbe629d9767e1597d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148482&Signature=S6gqrx0r4W7peeIdZotARnUl8KnI0Rjqzfp6RFbeEelb81lRH~gurOmfXnYOA5nOFhw4rSFlGQ5152Cf8nkOniUEtusYPihwRaLjeUHz775aH~~sl9cxTgM-Dp2r8myaV1PqjQDVVM29T1abXyiJuu0hKlEcYdnGJNzIdOV2ACfLW0ph8oeelIAu2rPdsYz6XaqwyHec80TcbZXuXkUyRoe3uxwzyFX1KZ5-3QipMiQeAFlZxdQF~QUmzSFhOOEBdRYfoGbgLyM6GBjQnlKwlzB38VGjFejxGnGGFBzjzAdu7odN30NsrlDEmhuxFHupnWlhlMfLe3EKuDxJM~RaUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cabarrus County Manager Sean Newton presented the county’s fiscal year 2026 recommended budget at the board’s May 19 meeting, proposing a general fund total of $399 million and $548 million across all funds while holding the property tax rate at 57.6¢ per $100 of assessed value.

“This budget is built on discipline, data, and dedication to the people of Cabarrus County,” Newton told the commissioners as he summarized the recommended plan, which staff said closed a projected near-$6 million budget gap through spending reductions and more-conservative budgeting assumptions.

Key elements in the recommended budget include: a permanent tax rate unchanged from FY25 at 57.6¢; a recommended 10% increase in operating support to the county’s school systems (after staff adjustments from requests of 12.69% for Cabarrus County Schools and 9.75% for Kannapolis City Schools); $29,050,000 in school capital investments including deferred maintenance, technology and design funding for additions and renovations; and $6,150,000 in county capital projects such as an animal shelter design and landfill expansion work. Newton’s message notes staff sought to align proposed spending with historical actuals and reduced noncritical operating items to close the deficit.

Newton also outlined workforce assumptions: the FY26 budget holds staffing largely level (with 24 job reclassifications), maintains employee benefits and funds traditional cost-of-living and merit increases for eligible staff.

The budget presentation set a timeline: staff plans to bring a capital projects ordinance that combines county and education projects for adoption at the board’s June 16 meeting. Newton asked commissioners to review the budget and return any changes prior to that adoption date.

At the meeting Commissioner Kenny Wortman read department-level reductions that staff used to preserve the tax rate, including cuts to sheriff’s office operations and deferred vehicle purchases, approximately $585,000 from EMS operating and the elimination of two requested ambulances, and multiple deferred facility and maintenance items across county departments. Wortman summarized, “All those cuts were just so that we could keep the tax rate flat.”

Commissioners discussed teacher supplements, noting that a 1% supplement increase for teachers would cost about $2.3 million and is not currently included in the recommended budget. Commissioners signaled they will continue budget negotiations between the May 19 presentation and the June 16 adoption meeting.

No formal adoption occurred on May 19; the board will consider the recommended budget and associated capital ordinance at future meetings.","County Manager Sean Newton presented a FY26 recommended budget that keeps the tax rate at 57.6¢ per $100 of assessed value, recommends a $399 million general fund and $548 million across all funds, and proposes a larger-than-planned increase for local schools and $29.05 million in school capital projects.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234533,"Cabarrus commissioners fail to elect a chair; vice chair to serve as acting chair",200,220000,420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab&start=220&end=420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411110-26e8b9c2c4c1ac12b4f2b755f6dbaaab/thumbnail_220000.jpg","/articles/6234533/Cabarrus-County/North-Carolina/Cabarrus-commissioners-fail-to-elect-a-chair-vice-chair-to-serve-as-acting-chair","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234533-5d3b81e16b52766ab80e27ef49da627b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148482&Signature=R0BxySa2CRDqPIM-oEzBFTSP~puCJ2b7Qh~INIm7Plj0woY2EVdJPj0H2oW6uGyq7pDdJ4lBGpeBG7rBuPTPAsMapTsG3cP1ALJguUH40-f7axXtJYqZ9c-Agp-SYOmJtZV0rXvE8zPfGk6lEMXenoZr40dZivfvTf6HHrRBlN1sZTI3Q2of12Bpi6NYX5-PSmlk~aYKbWGVDHJhGqUJdpjo40Y0fp4Jv9NQkEIvW0UF~1UG6M1sj4cALg5NM8uAb1FrhCQuCsmRIDB6PgVGOODfA2uJZC3G93B1epLgNbxoUIp3Ch7fhprSOREREA3TvmvcJaGkmuDhUQVMTJ5b8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners could not elect a permanent chair at its May 19 organizational session after no nominee won a majority in three ballots. Vice Chair Laura Lindsey will continue to serve as acting chair until the board takes another vote or holds its statutorily required organizational meeting in December.

The impasse began when the board opened nominations. Commissioners nominated Laura Lindsey, Kenny Wortman and Jeff Jones; the first two rounds returned 2–3 results and the final round produced one yes and four nays, meaning no candidate received the majority required to be named chair.

A staff member advising the board told commissioners, “it is my belief that then the vice chair continues to serve as the acting chair until and unless there is a majority,” and noted that the board must hold an organizational meeting in December “by statute.” The board did not adopt any alternate procedure or take further action at the session; the acting-chair arrangement will remain in place unless commissioners schedule and pass a subsequent vote.

The stalemate occurred early in the meeting and delayed other business briefly while commissioners recessed for photographs. The board resumed and continued with its regular agenda.

No formal appeal or motion changing the acting-chair arrangement was made at the meeting; commissioners discussed returning for another vote at a later date.","After three rounds of voting produced no majority for any nominee at the May 19 meeting, the board accepted staff guidance that Vice Chair Laura Lindsey will continue to serve as acting chair until the board votes again or holds its December organizational meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents raise taxes, homelessness and teacher pay concerns during public comment

Commissioners adopt resolution supporting Cabarrus County Sports Hall of Fame at arena

Board fills early-childhood and senior-center advisory seats, removes member for attendance

County manager proposes FY26 budget that holds tax rate, backs higher school funding

Cabarrus commissioners fail to elect a chair; vice chair to serve as acting chair