The campaign for Mecklenburg County’s quarter-cent sales tax referendum has turned to a longtime business and political leader as its chair.
Charlotte architect Darrel Williams, a founding partner in Neighboring Concepts and former Mecklenburg commissioner, is chair of the Partnership for a Better Mecklenburg Committee, which is backing the Nov. 5 referendum. The committee is submitting documentation to the county board of elections, as required by law.
“We are building a strong campaign team at this time,” Williams said in a statement. “I am truly excited about this campaign because it’s an opportunity to broaden access to education, parks and arts for all residents of Mecklenburg County.”
If voters approve the tax, Mecklenburg’s sales tax rate would grow to 7.5 percent from the current 7.25 percent. An approved referendum would generate an estimated additional $50 million to be split between Arts & Science Council, which would receive 49 percent, parks and greenways (30 percent) and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teachers (16 percent).