THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TENNESSEE COMMISSION’S BUDGET COMMITTEE HAS PROPOSED A TEN CENT PROPERTY TAX INCREASE IN THE 2008-2009 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET. THIS WOULD RAISE TAXES FROM 2.35 CENTS PER 100 DOLLARS OF ASSESSED VALUE TO 2.45 CENTS. COUNTY LEADERS SAID THE TEN CENT HIKE IS NEEDED TO COVER THE FINANCING ON THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNTY’S 138 MILLION DOLLARS SCHOOL AND JAIL BUILDING PROGRAM. THE RECOMMENDATION WILL GO BEFORE THE FULL COMMISSION LATER THIS MONTH.