The Bryan County 2010 draft budget has grown from $16.7 million to $17.5 million.
The increase, county officials say, is based on the Board of Commissioners’ proposed millage rate of 8.5. Bryan County was facing a shortfall of $400,000 with the previous draft budget of $16.7 million.
"The proposed 8.5 mills will bridge the gap," said Bryan County Administrator Phil Jones in an e-mail Thursday. "The money above the ($400,000) shortfall will be committed to Harris Trail Road. The budget will be adjusted up to $17,548,952."
In a press release sent Friday afternoon, the Board of Commissioners stated that the tentative 8.5 millage rate will increase property taxes in the unincorporated area of the county by 13.33 percent.
Read more in the Bryan County News.