Charlotte's city budget gap may hit $5.4 million; 'departments are very tight': "(By Steve Harrison, sharrison@charlotteobserver.com) The city of Charlotte projects it will have a modest budget shortfall of $5.4 million for upcoming fiscal year, which is about 1 percent of the general fund.
That early estimate, presented at the City Council retreat Monday afternoon, doesn't yet include money yet for raises. Overall, city officials said the city's finances were in good shape, though several years of austerity is impacting service, they said."