Washington County TN budget: No tax increase but deficit for school system

The Washington County Commission approved a budget without a tax increase, but it leaves the county school system with a $4 million deficit that school leaders fear will lead to significant cuts. The budget received unanimous approval from commissioners. Commissioners were reluctant to increase the tax rate after raising it just last year. Washington County Schools superintendent Jerry Boyd laid out the school system’s needs, including a state-mandated raise in teacher salaries. Boyd said he is only interested in solutions that wouldn’t further burden taxpayers. Boyd said the school system will need to examine areas for cuts and try to find a solution that will minimally impact classrooms. The school board will hold a special-called meeting after their workshop on Thursday to discuss a way forward. The budget needs to be finalized by June 30.