CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will hold a news conference Wednesday morning regarding the passage of the Mecklenburg County sales tax referendum.

The referendum allowed voters to vote either for or against a one-percent sales tax increase across the county, which was estimated to generate roughly $19 billion over 30 years for public transportation expansion and improvements.

With the referendum’s passage, the sales tax rate in Mecklenburg County will increase from 7.25% to 8.25%. It is expected to cost the average household around $240 more per year.

The vote was fairly close, but ultimately passed by a 52.1% to 47.9% margin. More than 92,000 Mecklenburg County residents voted for the measure, while just under 85,000 voted against it.

Lyles’ comments at approximatel

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