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INSIDE ▼ Teams qualify for state playoffs
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PAGE 4A Friday, May 15, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 19
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Leaders not considering tax rate hike by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Town Manager Melia James is recommending a $46,670,670 budget for fiscal year 2027 that does not include a property tax rate increase. This marks her first budget since becoming town manager in January.
“There is no property tax increase,” she said four minutes into her budget presentation May 11. “I probably should have bolded that and capped it. And I can end the presentation now if you want me to.” The budget represents a 13% increase over the one adopted for fiscal year 2026. Driving that increase is $4 million for a new transportation fund, which comes
from the proceeds of the one-cent sales tax approved last year by voters. The town has budgeted transportation fund revenues at eight months instead of the 12 to be conservative. The tax will be levied starting July 1. The budget calls for a $38,735,957 general fund, which is the town’s main operating fund. This is a 2.9% increase over last
year’s adopted budget. Things like police, fire and other town departments are paid through this fund, which is primarily supported through ad valorem revenue (property and vehicles taxes) and local options sales tax. “This budget does reflect slow and lean growth,” James said. She is recommending hiring four new positions: senior transportation planner, IT
Matthews UMC responds to impact of trauma MATTHEWS – Matthews United Methodist Church invites the community to a free Mental Health Fair from 9 a.m. to noon May 16. Learn from and make connections with on-site professionals. Free screenings will be offered along with several workshops for adults, and there will be a drop-in space for children to receive help with emotional regulation skills. The event is hosted in partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of NC Healthy Blue. The church recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on individuals and seeks to create a safe, supportive and healing environment for the community. Its mental health ministry began hosting symposiums and support groups in 2021 and continues to be a resource to the Greater Charlotte Area.
Music and Brews Night returns on May 16 MINT HILL – The Town of Mint Hill will host its Summer Concert Series from May to September. The series kicks off from 6:30 to 9 p.m. May 16 with Music and Brews Night at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. Pluto 4 Planet will play rock hits. Americana Beer Company, Panzu Brewery and Lower Left Brewing will serve beer alongside food vendors such as Blasian Asian, Tigers Halal, Kitchen Window, Martis Kitchen, Boss Lady Lemonade, Mama K’s Kettle Corn, and Peddle and Pour. Patrons will be required to provide proof of identification prior to being served. Visit the Pour 64 tent to obtain a wristband. No outside alcohol is allowed. Edifice Construction and Mint Hill Wil State Farm are sponsoring the event.
see TAXES, Page 4A
Realtors help Rock the Block
Cut gas line creates huge flames MATTHEWS – A natural gas line was struck during utility work May 13, creating a fire with large flames in the 5100 block of Morning Wood Drive, near Pleasant Plains, according to Matthews Fire & EMS. About 100 emergency personnel put out the fire. No one was hurt. “This incident could have been quite a bit worse,” Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh said in a statement. “Our crews had just completed surveying the leak and returned to their apparatus moments before ignition occurred.” Firefighters relied on a tanker of water to protect neighboring homes and vehicles as utility crews worked to shut down the damaged gas line.
technician, safety coordinator and an in-house staff attorney to support the work of Town Attorney Daniel Peterson. Commissioner Jennefer Garrity asked James about the decision to prioritize these positions over additional public works staff considering they’ve heard the department is understaffed.
ABOVE: Matthews Playhouse has been enriching lives in the Charlotte area for 30 years. BELOW: Past productions include "Snow White" (1995), Guys & Dolls (2005), "Wizard of Oz" (2015) and "Scrooge" (2025) Photos courtesy of Matthews Playhouse
30 years of magic
1995
Matthews Playhouse to host anniversary celebration MATTHEWS – Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts will host a 30th Anniversary Gala on June 13 to not only celebrate the past but ignite a future of arts in the region. Organizers say every gala ticket sold is an investment in accessibility, funding scholarships for aspiring artists, providing free theater for Title 1 students, leading workshops for people with cognitive or developmental disabilities, and sustaining pay-what-you-can performances for the community. “While we are incredibly proud of the foundation built over the last 30 years, this anniversary is truly about the stage we are setting for the future,” Executive and Artistic Director Sarah Baumgardner said. “Our focus is on the ‘Next Act,’ ensuring every person who walks through our doors finds a community where they can learn, grow and create together, a place where they belong.” The 30th Anniversary Gala will take place June 13 at Matthews Community Center at 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews. Tickets are available at MatthewsPlayhouse.com or by calling 704-846-8343 The lineup includes an opening at 6 p.m. of chef-curated hors d’oeuvres, small plates and desserts by Kate Clyde’s Catered Creations, alongside signature drinks and beer/wine. The reception features a silent auction with over 75 items and experiences, and an exhibit of memorabilia spanning 30 years of Playhouse history. The main event will follow at 8 p.m. with guests gathering in the theater for a variety show featuring familiar faces from the past and present. Geof Knight (“Scrooge”) and Lindsey Schroeder (“Carole King”) will host the evening. Gala proceeds help Matthews Playhouse support the community through theater, arts education and programming.
MINT HILL – Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity brought together about 25 volunteers to support homeowners and strengthen community connections during its Rock the Block neighborhood preservation event April 17. Volunteers completed projects at four homes, working side-by-side with homeowners on exterior improvements including painting, landscaping, pressure washing and seasonal maintenance. The event was held in partnership with the Town of Mint Hill and in collaboration with the Canopy Housing Foundation as part of its annual Realtors Care Day, a community-wide initiative that takes place each April during National Fair Housing Month. These efforts are part of Habitat’s broader Home Preservation initiative, which focuses on critical repairs and exterior improvements that address health and safety concerns while maintaining the integrity and affordability of existing housing stock. see BLOCK, Page 4A
2005
2015
2025
Mint Hill center makes 100 Top Hospitals list MINT HILL – Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center has earned a place on the 2026 100 Top Hospitals list by Premier Inc. and Modern Healthcare, while also receiving the Everest Award for the second consecutive year. Out of more than 2,500 hospitals evaluated nationwide, Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center ranked second in the country among small community hospitals, placing it among the top performers in its category. It is the only hospital in the Carolinas to be recognized. The 100 Top Hospitals program evaluates organizations on a comprehensive set of measures, including clinical quality, operational performance, financial health and patient experience. Officials said hospitals that earn this distinction consistently deliver better outcomes, including fewer complications and readmissions. Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center is one of 24 hospitals nationwide to receive the Everest Award, an honor reserved for medical centers that not only achieve top benchmark performance but also demonstrate the fastest and most sustained improvement over a five-year period. see HOSPITAL, Page 4A
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