Jonesborough approves property tax increase

The Jonesborough Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a budget and a 28% property tax increase Tuesday night. The property tax rate will increase from a rate of 96.6 cents to $1.24 per $100 of assessed value. Taxes on a home valued at $250,000 would increase from $604 to $775 a year. Officials say the revenue will be used to pave roads in the town of Jonesborough, new police radio equipment for the police and fire departments and half of the police cruiser fleet is being replaced. Other projects planned include major upgrades to the water park that need to be completed. The last tax increase was two years ago, when the board approved a 21% increase. The board also approved an 8.5% increase in solid waste fees and changes to the water and sewer rates.