WASHINGTON COUNTY TENNESSEE COMMISSIONERS HAVE VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE 2008-2009 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET THAT INCLUDES A 10 CENT PROPERTY TAX HIKE. THE NEW PROPERTY TAX RATE IS $2.45 PER $100 OF ASSESSED VALUE. BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIR PAT WOLFE SAYS THE INCREASE HAS BEEN COMING ABOUT FOR SOME TIME NOW. THE PENDING PLAN WILL ALSO INCLUDE A 3 PERCENT SALARY INCREASE FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES. THE LARGEST PORTION OF THE INCREASE WILL GO TOWARD PAYING OFF DEBT FOR THE COUNTY’S NEW COURTHOUSE, JAIL EXPANSION, AND TWO NEW SCHOOLS.