Good morning, Concord.

City of Concord Electric Systems received a national commendation from the American Public Power Association for helping Gastonia Utilities restore power after severe storms and EF1 tornadoes knocked out service in May 2024—six crew members replaced broken poles and repaired damaged lines.

The City of Concord warned residents to be careful using doxo.com for bill payments because the service is not approved by the city and may add extra fees or cause payment delays, as complaints from utility customers have shown.

Residents should use the city website or other listed options and call Customer Care at 704-920-5555 if they need assistance—this will help avoid late fees and disconnection of service.

Concord Electric Systems earned the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2023—winning the highest Diamond award for utilities with 110,000—249,999 worker-hours.

The city-run electric department, which has served Concord reliably since 1904, was recognized for its commitment to keeping its workers safe.

City Manager Lloyd Payne presented the recommended Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget to City Council, which totals $353,849,526 and proposes lowering the property tax rate from 48 cents to 42 cents per $100 plus sets aside funds for roadway improvements, affordable housing, parks, and a new fire station design. The Council will discuss the budget further at a public hearing on June 13 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

The intersection of Cabarrus Avenue and Union Street closed on May 20 (2024) as part of the Downtown Concord Streetscape Project; it remained closed for about two months (weather dependent) while contractors updated utilities and the streetscape, yet drivers could still access the Municipal Parking Deck and enter downtown via Market Street.