The Wicomico County Council held a public hearing this week on County Executive Pollitt’s proposed fiscal year 2014 budget.  The budget, which must be finalized by June 1, totals $127 million.

As reported by the Salisbury Daily Times:

As part of the proposed budget, the real property tax would increase by about 8 percent.

Pollitt also plans to pull $3.6 million from the reserve fund for one-time projects.

The proposed budget spends $10 million more than during fiscal year 2013, with the majority of expenses going to education and public safety.

Specifically, public schools, Wor-Wic Community College, the public library, extension services and school debt make up 44 percent of the budget in the education category.

Public safety and health — which includes the courts system, Sheriff’s Office, prosecutor’s office, emergency services and several other departments— makes up another 30 percent.