It's Not Just a Penny
Even though the first year's cost is an increase of $240 (as widely reported), and that might not feel like the full impact, this is a generational tax. Over time it averages out to $858 every single year, adding up to more than $25,000 over 30 years.
As families go through life, they make big purchases: cars, furniture, appliances, school supplies, holiday gifts, even the occasional home improvement. Each of those is subject to the higher tax. Over thirty years, with the compounding effect of inflation, it averages out to $858 every single year.
Everyday Purchases, Real Costs
Think about what your family spends in a typical month. Planning on buying a used car for $15,000 at any point over the next 30 years? That’s $150 more. Will you need to add furnishings to your home with a $2,000 bill for a couch and a few appliances? That’s another $20-plus. A family shopping trip at Target or Walmart with $300 of essentials now costs $3 more. It may not feel like much, one receipt at a time, but it adds up…fast.
For many Mecklenburg residents, especially those already living paycheck to paycheck, that’s money that could go toward groceries, gas, or rent. It’s not “just a penny” when that penny keeps multiplying across hundreds of purchases month after month.
Who Really Feels the Impact?
Flat sales taxes hit working-class and low-income families the hardest. When more of your income goes toward everyday essentials, a one-percent increase is not small. It’s regressive, meaning the less you earn, the more of your income goes toward taxes. While wealthier households may not notice the change, those earning under $50,000 per year certainly will.
That $858 annual impact may not be noticeable if you're in a higher income bracket, but for many Mecklenburg families, it's the equivalent of a car payment, two weeks’ rent, or holiday gifts for the kids.
A Vote with Real-Life Consequences
Voting against this tax is not about opposing education or public services. It's about demanding more responsible, equitable solutions, not placing the burden on families who are already stretched thin. Mecklenburg County needs to hear from voters who understand that working people can’t keep shouldering the cost of every new initiative.
It’s not “just a penny.” It’s 85,800 pennies a year averaged out over the next 30 years. And they’re coming straight from the pockets of families who can least afford it. Before you vote, take a close look at your receipts, your budget, and what another 1% means for your household.