Top Stories for Dec. 28, 2023

Photo of individual calculating finances with a model house on the desk

Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and from the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board’s next budget and public policy meeting is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. The agenda will be available online. View the meeting at Watch.MeckNC.gov. 

1. Don’t Be Delinquent: Mecklenburg County property owners must submit their tax payments by Jan. 5 to avoid delinquency. Real estate and personal property tax payments must be paid or postmarked on or before Jan. 5, 2024, to avoid interest charges. Property owners whose payments are received or postmarked after that date will be charged 2% interest for the month of January, and an additional three-quarters of one percent every month thereafter until paid. Tax payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

2. It’s a Boat, It’s a Plane … and It Needs to Be Listed: Any person or business that owns property such as boats, aircraft, mobile homes, or income-producing property such as equipment, machinery, or furniture, associated with a business must list the property for tax purposes with the Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office between Jan.1, 2024 and Jan. 31, 2024. Individual and business personal property is taxed at the FY2024 property tax rates set by the Board of County Commissioners, the Charlotte City Council, and town boards. Residents can list online, by mail, or in person. Visit CAO.MeckNC.gov for details. 

3. Give Your Christmas Tree New Life: As the holidays wind down, be sure to recycle your Christmas tree. Mecklenburg County Solid Waste will recycle your tree for free and turn it into useful mulch for sale. First, ensure all decorations are removed. If you live in Charlotte, place your tree by the curb on your regular yard waste collection day for pickup. Mecklenburg residents can also drop their trees off at a full-service recycling center or check with their town or waste service provider to see if tree collection is offered. Visit WipeOutWaste.MeckNC.gov to learn more. 

4. Help with Heating: Chilly temperatures and holiday crowds have likely bumped up the thermostat in many homes. And the bills will soon come due. Mecklenburg County residents who have trouble paying their heating bills can get help through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Applications from all residents will be accepted beginning Jan. 1. Seniors and disabled individuals have had the opportunity to apply throughout December. The deadline for all residents to apply is March 31, 2024. Visit MeckNC.gov/ENERGY or call 704-336-3000 to begin the application process.

5. Everybody Counts Charlotte: The holiday season is the giving season, so now is a great time to help those on Charlotte-Mecklenburg streets who are less fortunate. With the annual Point in Time Count approaching in January, Mecklenburg County continues to seek donations to help people sleeping outside until housing is secured. The Point in Time Count of people experiencing homelessness will be held Jan. 25, 2024. Last year, 1,916 people were counted, including 171 families, 106 youth, and 288 people sleeping outside.  Learn more using the Housing and Homelessness Dashboard.