Forsyth County Budget Includes Tax Increase and Teacher Supplements

Forsyth County commissioners have approved their budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes a property tax increase.

The more than $458 million budget passed this week with a 5-2 vote. A large chunk of money is earmarked for education. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools will see more money for operations and other services.

There's also a property tax increase on the way to help pay for a new county courthouse and teacher supplemental pay. The rate will go up 3 cents for every $100 of valuation. The district would see an estimated $3.7 million for the teacher supplements.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is also getting a budget boost. Some of the money will be used to fund five new positions and the department's new role in overseeing Animal Services.

The county is also directing more funds to grow several human services programs. One of them is the Stepping Up Process to End Recidivism. It provides support services for those with mental illness and substance use issues in the county jail. This will allow the program, which currently serves women, to expand and serve men as well.

The new budget year begins on July 1.

*You can Follow WFDD's Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news