GREENSBORO, N.C. — Property taxes for Greensboro residents aren’t currently changing, but city water rates could increase by 3 percent for city residents and by 7 1/2 percent for non-residents.

The rate hike is part of the $450 million budget proposed to the Greensboro City Council Monday night.

Interim City Manager Denise Roth said the proposed budget also includes cuts to infrastructure, parks and recreation, and public safety.  The City would also leave nine of its current positions open.

As a result, property taxes would not increase and the city would not downsize.

“I got a very clear indication from council that they wanted a balanced budget without raising property taxes,” Roth said.  “We committed to that… And we were able to achieve that.”

The proposed budget is not final. A public comment period will last until June 5.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — John Edwards’ attorneys won’t say publicly whether the former presidential candidate or his one-time mistress will take the witness stand Wednesday.

Defense lawyer Abbe Lowell has said the defense could close out its case by calling Edwards, his oldest daughter Cate and Rielle Hunter, the woman with whom he had an extramarital affair while running for president in 2008.

They also could recall Edwards’ former aide Andrew Young.

Edwards is charged with masterminding a plan to use about $1 million from two wealthy donors to hide his pregnant mistress as he ran for the White House.

He has pleaded not guilty to six criminal counts including conspiracy to violate the Federal Election Campaign Act, accepting contributions that exceeded federal limits, and filing false campaign-finance statements.

Credit: The Associated Press.