Halifax County commissioners today approved a $37,443,048 budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

This makes the tenth straight year the county has passed a budget that doesn’t include a tax increase, County Manager Tony Brown said at this morning’s meeting.

Board Chairman James Pierce commended county staff for the work they did in coming up with the financial plan and the board “for their diligence in maintaining the tax rate” and keeping spending down. “We look forward to better days ahead.”

Commissioner Marcelle Smith said despite passage of the budget, the board would have to remain vigilant. “There are still a lot of unknowns,” he said referring to state mandates.

The budget includes a 2 percent cost of living increase for employees.