For the fifth consecutive year Wake County residents won’t see an increase in their property taxes.
Wake County Commissioners Monday adopted the 2014 fiscal year operating budget, which comes in at $982.8 million. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
The budget is a 4.7 percent increase from last year’s budget, but the tax rate of 53.4 cents will remain the same.
About one-third of the budget, or $327.5 million, is allocated for the Wake County school system; it fully funds the School Board’s request. The school’s budget increased $9.2 million.
The school appropriation doesn’t include the $939.9 million school bond that will be up for a vote on the October ballot.
Increase for Libraries and Employees
The adopted budget increases funding for the county library system so that most of the branches will see extended hours of service. Library hours were cut in 2010. Many of those hours will be restored, resulting in some new hires.
Overall, the adopted budget has added almost 80 new positions and includes a 2.75 percent merit raise for current employees.
Learn more about the adopted budget.
Animal Shelter Fees Change
As a result of some discussion at the June 10 budget work session, some Wake County Animal Shelter fees have been changed.
The adoption and spay/neuter fees for cats and dogs will remain the same, but those looking to adopt a large farm animal will have to shell out $100.
Rabies vaccines and microchip rates for rescue groups had been decreased by $3. The fees have doubled for animals who have been brought to the shelter and reclaimed by their owners.
New Location for Public Meetings
Beginning July 1, Wake County Commissioners meetings will take palce at the new justice center, located at 301 S. McDowell St. on the corner of McDowell and Salisbury streets near Nash Square.
