Cornelius property owners will pay about $100 more per year on a $500,000 home after the Town Board voted 3-2 on June 1 to raise the tax rate by 2 cents.

The board adopted Ordinance #2026-00911, setting the property tax rate at 19.31 cents per $100 of assessed value, up from 17.31 cents, according to meeting minutes published by the town. The increase took effect Wednesday, July 1.

Commissioners Colin Furcht, Dave Carney and Lynette Johnson voted in favor. Commissioners Michael Osborne and Todd Sansbury voted against.

Of the 2-cent increase, 1.3 cents funds public safety: police staffing restoration, fire department recruitment and retention, and 9-1-1 telecommunications. The remaining 0.7 cents covers debt service on the parks bond referendum voters previously approved.

The debate

Town Manager Andrew Grant presented the budget Monday, May 4, noting that for the first time in his eight-year tenure, Cornelius is seeing a decrease in actual sales tax collected across the county. The FY2027 general fund budget reflects $38.7 million in revenues against $40.7 million in expenditures.

Sansbury argued that approximately $6.5 million in unencumbered reserves could absorb the need without a full 2-cent hike. He and Osborne each proposed a 1-cent compromise. Osborne said revenue assumptions in the budget are conservative and historical surpluses justify flexibility.

The board split.

Commissioner Johnson countered that "using fund balance to cover recurring operating expenses would be financially irresponsible." Furcht sided with the full increase, citing concerns about a structural budget "cliff" and uncertain final costs on major road projects including West Catawba.

Only one resident spoke at the reconvened public hearing: Kim Sherrill of 19722 Feriba Place, who supported the increase and suggested the board consider higher rates on second homes and investor-owned rentals.

Sansbury resigns

After casting his final vote, Sansbury announced his resignation, effective immediately. In a resignation letter dated Monday, May 11, he wrote: "It's been my honor to serve Cornelius for over 5 years as a Town Commissioner. Unfortunately, my professional career is requiring me to move out of state."

The five-year commissioner's departure left the board with a vacancy. Grant explained the appointment process under the board's rules of procedure, and an appointment was anticipated at the Monday, June 15 meeting.

What it means for your tax bill

The 2-cent increase adds $80 per year for a home assessed at $400,000 and $100 per year at $500,000. Zillow estimates the average Cornelius home value at $531,730, which would translate to roughly $106 more per year on the town portion of the bill. The Cornelius municipal rate is separate from the Mecklenburg County rate of 49.27 cents per $100.

The vacancy appointment and the new tax rate both took effect in June and July, respectively. The Cornelius Board of Commissioners meets the first and third Mondays of each month at Town Hall.