Bantering about budget: Gov 101 returns with a twist
Published on February 09, 2024
CONCORD, N.C. – Turns out, budget talk can be fun. Cabarrus County proved it this week with the return of Government 101.
Brews + Bites + Budget shook things up with a freshly formatted event held at Southern Strain Brewing Company in Concord. The event ditched formalities for a laid-back vibe and shorter session, bringing access and engagement to the budget process.
"We were thrilled to try something new this year with our budget outreach efforts," said Communications Manager Dominique Clark, who served as host for the event. "Our aim was to educate residents about the County’s role in their lives and spark real, ongoing conversations. Judging by the turnout and engagement, we're definitely on track!"
Attendees heard from Budget Director Rosh Khatri and Senior Management Analyst Yesenia Pineda, who detailed County operations and how funding is prioritized.
Tax Administrator David Thrift discussed the 2024 revaluation, breaking down the mandated process and showing his department’s purpose and goals in determining equity in property value.
Both presentations included crowd-involved games that connected to the discussion topics.
The night wrapped with a Q&A panel discussion that included Thrift, County Manager Mike Downs, Deputy County Manager Rodney Harris and Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Morris.
“Overall, very positive,” attendee Safiyanailah Cherry said of her experience. “The intimate setting allowed us to have valuable and insightful one-to-one conversations with County leadership.”
Carmen Cook attended the event with her husband, Jim. “I’ve been to a lot of budget meetings (and) overall, this was very well put together,” she said. “Totally impressed …”
To be notified of future events, residents can send a message to daclark@cabarruscounty.us.
Budget and revaluation information
Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners will kick off the Fiscal Year 2025 budget process with a two-day retreat later this month.
Residents can participate in the ongoing budget and tax rate discussion by attending public workshops and meetings beginning in April. Each monthly Board of Commissioners meeting includes a public comment section. Visit www.cabarruscounty.us/meetings for dates and times of all upcoming meetings.
To explore the budget process, visit www.cabarruscounty.us/budget. The full interactive online budget book can be found by clicking the tile called “FY24 Adopted Budget.” The book can be translated into a variety of languages and provides a deep dive into the County’s spending plan.
Revaluation notices were mailed this week. The notice is not a bill, but information about the determined value of property as of January 1 of this year. That assessed value is one part of the tax bill residents will receive in July 2024. The other determining factor is the tax rate set by the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners and all the municipal boards.
For more details about revaluation, including a link to a comprehensive FAQ section, visit www.cabarruscounty.us/revaluation. Email revalinfo@cabarruscounty.us or call 704-920-2126 with questions.