Mecklenburg County

#ThrowbackThursday: June 15, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This story was originally published June 15, 2006 and was written by Janet Denk.

Town leaders on Monday night overwhelmingly supported a plan to work and build a regional Sportsplex facility, in partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, on land at Independence and I-485.

The nearly 160-acre area, owned by the County, is adjacent to property in Matthews referred to as the “Small Area Plan” which has been earmarked, since 1999, for a mixed-use development that would include business, residential and recreational facilities.

Money for the project would come from the Occupancy and Prepared Food Tax.

“This is a solid source of funding,” Town Manager Hazen Blodgett said, “because the folks who use it will be the ones who pay for it.”

A $25 million bond referendum approved by voters in November 2004, and to be used by 2007, includes $8 million for partnership projects such as this one set before Matthews. Matthews proposes to commit $2 million to the project.

The project is still in conceptual phase, though submitting an application was imperative this week. Areas all over Mecklenburg County will be submitting proposals, so the The Town Manager, along with the Parks Department, the Planning Department and the Town Commissioners, were scrambling to get the process underway. A special public meeting was held before last week’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan Workshop.

Currently both Cary and Greensboro have high quality soccer complexes but the Charlotte region is lacking. The plan, bu the County, is to design a state-of-the-art regional facility to compete for tourism dollars with associated field team sports.

“This is huge,” said Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Department Director Geralynn Trellue. “We’re not thinking, ‘Just Matthews. Or just soccer.’ We’re thinking of the bigger picture. That means maximum use for this, almost 300-acre area.”

The fact that the facility will be run by the County and used more than 80% by local citizens makes the project attractive for many. The NCAA, ACC and other tournaments will make this a solid attraction. The Keith Corporation of Charlotte has committed to developing a family-entertainment complex within the proposed area, which would include hotels, restaurants and much more.

“We want to support this idea and get things underway so it can become an economic drive for the community,” said Blodgett whose Budget for fiscal year 2006-7 was adopted at last Monday’s meeting.

Brendon Pierce, of the Keith Corporation, shared information about comparable facilities and has worked several years on projects such as this. He comments Matthews’ involvement. This is the ideal land for this type of project,” he explained.

Town Commissioner Bill Dixon, who worked on the Parks and Recreation Board when this idea first came through in 2000, voted along with his colleagues in favor of the project. However, he urged caution. “Let’s avoid the slippery slope,” he said with regard to the debt service on such an ambitious project. “Are we okay in that department?” he glanced at Blodgett. The Town Manager returned a very comfortable nod in the affirmative.

New Property Tax Valuations

Mecklenburg County posted new property tax valuations on Friday, continuing the reassessment process that has been underway since 2017. Property owners can expect to see an increase in both their assessed value and in their tax rate. The Matthews Board of Commissioners and the Mecklenburg County Commissioners both approved tax increases in 2018.

The County Commission increased property taxes by ¾ of a cent. Mecklenburg county’s website provides details on the FY2019 budget and a description of where the money will be allocated here. The 2019 budget was approved in June of 2018 by Commissioners Trevor Fuller, Ella Scarborough, Pat Cotham, Jim Puckett, Vilma Leake, George Dunlap, Dumont Clarke, Matthew Ridenhour, and Bill James.

Matthews approved their 2019 budget on June 11th, 2018, to include a 1.5 cent/$100 in value tax increase. Town Manager Hazen Blodgett’s budget presentation estimated the increase would raise town revenue by $525,000 based on 2011 property values. In the 2019-2020 budget, assuming the Board doesn’t approve any additional tax increase, that number will still be significantly higher. For example, a property in Matthews formerly assessed at $213,600 generated $726.24 in 2017-18 and $758.28 in 2018-19. With a new appraised value of $391,000 the property owners will see their Matthews taxes increase in 2019-20 to $1,388.

The Matthews Board of Commissioners received a presentation from County Tax Assessor Ken Joyner in October of 2017 detailing the valuation process and recommended at that time that property owners review their property information and file a dispute if necessary. The County had created a new system for disputes available through the assessors’ web page. Although the valuation process is over with the release of new values, disputes can still be filed and changes to information requested.

2013-2014 Tax Rate: .3175/100
2014-2015 Tax Rate: .3175/100
2015-2016 Tax Rate: .34/100
2016-2017 Tax Rate: .34/100
2017-2018 Tax rate: .34/100
2018-2019 Tax rate: .355/100

#ThrowbackThursday: January 26, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews News & Record (also called Matthews Record and The Matthews News) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This story was originally published January 26, 2006 and was written by News & Record staff.

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Idlewild Volunteer Fire Department Appreciation Banquet

At their annual recognition dinner on January 13, members of the Idlewild Volunteer Fire Department recognized Tommy Rogers who is stepping down as the department’s fire chief. Rogers has served as chief for eight years and as assistant chief for 19 years prior to that. He joined the department in 1975, shortly after it was organized.

During Rogers’ tenure as cheif, the department added two new vehicles, completed a major addition and renovation to the fire station, and added paid employees to the roster for the first time to supplement the volunteer staff during the daytime hours. Prior to becoming chief, Rogers was instrumental in establishing the department as a medical first responder in 1991. He will continue to serve the department as an assistant chief focusing on emergency medical services. Jay Alexander stated hew was glad Tommy was not going too far away. “He has been faithful and dependable and almost from day one has helped set the direction of the fire department and enabled them to get to where they are today,” he said.

Also recognized at the dinner was Captain Brian White - Officer of the Year; Captain Tony Bresina - EMT of the year; and Scott Blevins - Firefighter of the Year.

The new fire chief at Idlewild is Ron Cheves. Cheves is a 22 year veteran of the department and has previously served as captain and assistant chief. Prior to coming to the Idlewild department, Cheves served with fire departments in Guilford County, NC and Knox County, TN.

Currently serving with Cheves and Rogers are assistant chiefs Mike Pressley and Jay Garbus.

Matthews Mayor Lee Myers pointed out the Idlewild Volunteer Fire Department was a group that gives back and makes a difference in the lives of the people in the community. Mint Hill Mayor Ted Biggers said the Department was a family in the business of saving lives. Dr. Tom Blackwell was the guest speaker who discussed Med 1 and it’s members’ trip to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.

The Idlewild Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1975 to provide improved protection for the then unincorporated area between Matthews and Mint Hill. Although legally a new organization, the Idlewild department inherited the legacy of the Oakhurst Volunteer Fire Department, which ceased operations that same year due to annexations by the City of Charlotte. Today most of the Idlewild response area lies within the towns of Matthews and Mint Hill and the department has contracts with both towns as well as the County. The original fire station at 10241 Idlewild continues to serve the department, although it has undergone a series of expansions and renovations. The station has recently been remodeled with living quarters for eight fire fighters and two officers. The department can also be used as an emergency shelter for the community in times of extreme weather conditions or natural disaster.

The department is primarily funded by contributions from area residents in the form of fire dues. It also receives funding from the towns of Matthews and Mint Hill and from Mecklenburg County.

Morning Minute: Thursday, January 10, 2019

News About Town: The Town has posted the agenda for Monday night’s meeting. Several items of note include official observation of the School Choice Week, which runs January 20 through 26. The Planning Conference agenda also contains an item related to school choice: Consider inviting charter schools to locate in town, town to consider an in-kind contribution.

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News Around Town:  After announcing plans to consolidate headquarters in Virginia, Dollar Tree is being encouraged to sell Family Dollar. Two-percent owner Starboard Value (a hedge fund) believes the sale of Family Dollar would improve the value of Dollar Tree.

One Fun Thing:  The fifth annual ASC Connect with Culture days are Jan 25 and 26. Though there is not a culture hub in Matthews this year, the Matthews Playhouse  is participating at the Charlotte History Museum on Saturday, the 26th. Actor Lakeetha Blakeney will perform an excerpt from her one-woman show, Sweet Jenn: A Living Exhibit. Lakeetha will perform the full show on the Fullwood Stage at the Matthews Community Center in February of this year.


Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 8, 2019

News About Town: The Town’s recycling calendar should be arriving in mailboxes all over town in the next couple of days. In the meantime, the next week for recycling pick up is January 14-18. If you find yourself with an overflowing bin on the bi-weekly schedule, an additional bin is available for $40 annually. Call Republic Services Group at 704-393-6900 to request an extra bin. If you’re overflowing and want recycling relief now, the closest self-serve center is the McAlpine Creek Park Recycling Center (8711 Monroe Rd., Charlotte), where you can drop off residential recycling during park hours.

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News Around Town: Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners will soon begin working on the FY2020 budget. Mecklenburg County residents are encouraged to weigh-in on budget priorities. There is a hearing for public input Tuesday, Jan 15 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Meeting Chamber, Lobby Level, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St, Charlotte, NC 28202. You must sign-up in advance to speak.) There is also a survey available online. Property tax, sales tax, service fees for county-provided services, and other sources are pooled to for the County budget. County Commissioners then create a budget to fund educational programs (CPCC, CMS, pre-k), county parks and rec, the Sheriff’s Department, libraries, the Public Health Department, and many other county services.

One Fun Thing: Did you resolve to get around to that book you’ve been wanting to write? How about a short story for your favorite local online paper (ahem)? The Matthews Fiction Writers Group meets tonight at the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station St.) at 6:30 p.m. Join the group for work-shopping, critique, and to find camaraderie with area fiction writers.

The People of Matthews: County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell

We asked a few people who work for the community of Matthews to share their thoughts and hopes for 2019. Here’s what County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell told us:

Photo from McDowell4Meck.com

Do you have a New Year's resolution? I do not have a specific New Year's resolution, however, life has changed so profoundly for me as a result of the November election that I am working hard to build a schedule and a routine that includes time for constituents, family, study, personal development, and of course county business. Creating and maintaining balance will be a challenge, but I am really excited about each and every aspect of the coming year.

What do you hope for in the new year? What I hope for in the New Year is to truly make an impact in the lives of real people, to make a difference.  My hope is that I will be part of steps taken toward progress for the many issues our community faces in regards to equity, and a fair shake for those struggling with affordable housing, educational opportunities and access to county services.  It is my desire to be bold in finding ways to enhance our way of life and sustain our environment. 

What do you want to leave behind in the old year? What I would like to leave behind in 2018 is proverbial baggage! I am a firm believer that in order to move ahead, you have to look back and learn from your story... see where mistakes were made so that you can learn from them. 

What do you see foresee for Matthews in the coming year? As far as Matthews in the coming year, I am very hopeful.  The Town of Matthews has a lot going for it - it's charming, well located, has great bones and caring people - but it is going through growing pains and is at a crossroads for deciding how to handle that growth. At the Labor Day Parade this year I was really struck with how many new, young families were lining the streets along with folks who have a long history in Matthews - both groups are really needed to engage and take part in community discussions so that all perspectives are heard and considered.  It also appears that many of the citizens of Matthews are becoming more aware than ever of how their elected leaders can really shape their town.

I wish a very happy and healthy 2019 (along with loads of Beacon) for the people of Matthews!

#ThrowbackThursday: December 21, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. These stories were originally published December 21, 2006 and was written by Janet Denk.

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Back in the day, a young black kid from Matthews had the choice of two high schools to attend - Second Ward or West Charlotte High, both in Charlotte. Harvey Boyd chose the latter for its art department. That choice would pay off, as Boyd became a skilled graphic artist who went on to attend Howard University, then later, travel and lives the good life. When he was 21 years old, “on a whim” Boyd entered a contest sponsored by the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. Out of the seven finalists in the 1964 contest, Boyd’s work was selected to become the Mecklenburg County seal.

The County government is undergoing a logo redesign for branding purposes, but folks making the final decisions are intent on preserving the original design because it remains representative of the County nearly 50 years later.

The image on the seal includes four aspects of Mecklenburg County and it still holds up. “The seal is as relative today as it was back then,” said County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts. She, along with many others in the community, appreciate the origins of the seal design: that fresh out of the segregationist days of the old south, a young black kid from the country is selected by a powerful board of local leaders to document and preserve the history of the county.

“I thought I could contribute something,” the young man told the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners in 1964 after receiving the honor. He’s still trying to make a contribution, which is why he’s been before the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners to offer his consulting services, should the design team need a little help.

Boyd never received any royalties for his work, despite the fact that he owns the patent on the design. He doesn’t want his contribution to be in vain.

That’s not likely to happen, his supporters say. The fact that a County Seal can say so much, from a guy who could’ve claimed so little and have it last so long - is admirable.

“That says an awful lot about the spirit of this place,” explained Juan Williams, owner and operator of Queen City Tours  who’s given more than his fair share of history lessons to natives and tourists alike. “It’s part of what makes the history of this place so interesting to so many people.” The seal is on vehicles, stationery, websites, and government paperwork. Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones Sr. has assured folks that Boyd will be included in a logo redesign, should the need arise.