Photo by Jason Benavides

Oct. 3. By Dave Vieser. With Early Voting starting in a little over two weeks, the Cornelius Town Board unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the $2.5 billion CMS bond issue on the countywide ballot this fall.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools hope to fund 30 projects that address school facilities, including Cornelius Elementary, Huntersville Elementary and North Mecklenburg High, as well as a new middle school on Stumptown Road in Huntersville.

“We’re in a lot different position this year than we were last time around when a bond issue was raised,” noted Mayor Woody Washam as the resolution was adopted.

Background

The previous $922 million bond issue in 2017 did not contain significant school facilities or improvements for Cornelius or the north end of the county and the town board adopted a resolution opposing the measure, which was nevertheless approved.

If the new bond issue is approved, taxpayers will see an increase of one cent in the county portion of their tax rate in each of three years: 2025, 2028 and 2029. CMS officials estimate the increase for the owner of an average assessed home will amount to a total of approximately $120.

In other action

—The commissioners authorized the town to finalize a $325,000 agreement with Dewberry Engineers of Charlotte for the design of 12 new lighted tennis courts and 10 new pickleball courts at Bailey Road Park. Phase I will start with the 10 pickleball courts, six of the 12 new tennis courts, and parking. The other six planned tennis courts, restroom building, and additional parking are planned in a future phase.

The design should take seven to nine months to complete.