Hawkins County budget postponed, tax increase pending

On Monday night, both the Hawkins County Budget Committee and County Commission Meeting were attended by residents voicing their opinions regarding the upcoming budget approval. Members of the United Citizens of Hawkins County community organization attended the meetings to express concerns, including a potential 34.67-cent increase in property taxes. That would be $2.67 on each $100.00 of taxable property, if approved as is. The commission voted to postpone approval of the budget in a 10 to 3 vote. Commissioners plan to reconsider the budget to find ways of lowering the property tax increase, but believe the budget can not pass without an increase.