Fulton budget raises taxes, cuts spending

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners today approved a 2014 budget that raises countywide property taxes for the first time since 1991 and cuts spending for libraries, Grady Memorial Hospital and other services.

The 1.57-mill tax hike would cost the owner of a $200,000 home $65.55 a year. Most libraries would close one or two days a week, and seniors would pay for more meals at local senior centers.

The county would cut its operating subsidy for Grady from $50 million annually to $45 million. That’s far less than the $25 million cut originally proposed.