WASHINGTON COUNTY TENNESSEE HOME OWNERS COULD SEE THEIR PROPERTY TAXES HEAD HIGHER IF COUNTY LEADERS AGREE ON THE 2008-2009 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET. A 35 CENT PROPERTY TAX HIKE WOULD BE USED TO PAY OFF THE REST OF THE COUNTY’S DEBT SERVICE WHICH INCLUDES SCHOOL AND JAIL/JUSTICE CENTER BUILDING PROGRAMS. IN ADDITION 25 CENTS OF THAT INCREASE WOULD BE USED TO COVER A 1.8 MILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT IN THE COUNTY SCHOOL’S BUDGET. COUNTY LEADERS ARE CONTINUING TO DISCUSS THE CURRENT SPENDING PLAN AND ARE EXPECTED TO RECONVENE ON THE MATTER FRIDAY.