Halifax commissioners today unanimously approved the county’s $ 54,609,969 budget for the upcoming fiscal year which starts July 1.

Halifax County Manager Dia Denton noted before a vote was taken on the financial plan that the solid waste collection line was reduced by $241,587 and the household solid waste revenue fee was reduced by the same amount.

The reduction is the result of the new contract with Unity of the Carolinas and a reduced per household solid waste collection fee from $144.10 this current fiscal to $131.10 for the upcoming fiscal year.

The budget calls for no tax increase, gives employees an 8 percent cost of living adjustment and draws $3,856,950 from the fund balance.

Commissioner Linda Brewer cast the motion to approve the budget on a second from Sammy Webb.

“On behalf of the commissioners I do want to thank you and your staff for all your hard work and all the department heads for being conscious of that as well,” board Chair Vernon Bryant said. “Thank you again for a job well done.”

Commissioner Carolyn Johnson recognized what she described as the efficiency of the staff in preparing the budget.

“It was just a great process this year,” Brewer said.

Commissioner John Smith expressed his appreciation for the budget and also the solid waste department for striking the new waste contract.