The Wayne County Commission has given the green light to a financial strategy for the fiscal year 2025-26, which incorporates a 10-cent hike in the property tax rate. This adjustment brings the new tax rate to $1.64 for every $100 of assessed property value. In addition to the tax increase, the budget outlines a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees, although this raise does not extend to elected officials.
County officials have articulated that this tax increase is crucial for sustaining vital services and making necessary investments in the county’s infrastructure. They emphasize that without this adjustment, the county would struggle to meet the demands of its residents and maintain the quality of services that the community relies on.