The Wake County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved a new budget, including a tax increase. The question of the afternoon was how much the board would raise property taxes.

In a 5-2 decision, the commissioners approved a hike of 3.65 cents per $100 in property valuation. It was one of the board’s first major budget decisions since registered Democrats swept fall elections to gain control of the board. …

Commissioner Sig Hutchinson said the new spending would help to recruit and retain teachers. Commissioner Jessica Holmes said the budget would strengthen early education and increase pay for school employees beyond teachers, including bus drivers and cafeteria workers.

“They too deserve a living wage, and this budget is one step in addressing that,” she said.

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