The hike brings county property taxes from 20.75 mills to 22.75 mills, about a 9.6 percent increase.

County tax bills also went up 2 mills in 2005, 1.5 mills in 2004, 2.75 mills in 2003 and 4.25 mills in 2002. County property taxes have more than doubled since 2002.

The county’s real estate levy is only part of a local property tax bill. School taxes run from 46.17 to 67 mills depending on the school district, and municipal taxes go from nothing to 39.5 mills.

A mill is $1 for every $1,000 of a home’s assessed value. Assessments are the 1970 market value.

The final budget is slated to be passed by Commissioners on Dec. 4.