Public Notice: Budget Hearings, Health Advisories, and Service Updates
Public Hearing: Mecklenburg County FY2026-2027 Budget
The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will hold its regular meeting and the first public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. This session is a critical opportunity for residents to provide direct feedback on funding priorities for essential services, including education, public safety, and infrastructure. Citizens may sign up to speak at the hearing or submit written comments via email to the Clerk to the Board. This hearing follows a series of joint sessions with the Board of Education to align local funding goals for the upcoming year.
Health Advisory: Measles Detected in Local Wastewater
Mecklenburg County Public Health has issued a community advisory following the detection of the measles virus in wastewater samples at the Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. While no clinical cases have been formally identified within the county as of this week, the presence of the virus indicates local transmission may be occurring. This discovery coincides with a larger regional outbreak in the Carolinas. Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington is urging all residents, particularly parents of young children, to ensure vaccinations are up to date. The county is offering walk-in measles vaccinations at public health clinics for those who are uninsured or underinsured.
Public Service: Expanded Recycling Program
As of late January 2026, Mecklenburg County has officially expanded its recycling capabilities. In a major update to solid waste services, all full-service and staffed recycling centers are now accepting plastic bags and wraps. Residents are encouraged to bring clean, dry plastic film—such as grocery bags, bread bags, and bubble wrap—to these designated locations rather than placing them in curbside recycling bins, where they often cause machinery malfunctions. This initiative is part of the city’s broader commitment to reducing landfill waste and improving the efficiency of local processing facilities.
Official Board and Committee Meetings
Several official boards are convening today to conduct city and regional business:
- CRTPO Policy Board: The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization will hold its standing monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 21, to discuss regional mobility projects and long-term transit funding.
- Economic Development Committee: The BOCC Economic Development Committee will meet at 600 E. 4th Street to review workforce development strategies and upcoming corporate initiatives.
- Firefighters Retirement System: The Board of Trustees for the Charlotte Firefighters Retirement System is conducting its quarterly and annual meeting today to review system performance and member benefits.