By Anna Roman

The Herald-Sun

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — Wake County leaders raised the property tax rate and cut its proposed housing and EMS funding to increase its spending for the Wake County Public School System.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved the $2.17 billion budget 6-1 Monday evening after a lengthy discussion about the merits of cutting proposed housing and EMS funds to increase public school funding.

“You can’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm,” said Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas, the lone commissioner who voted against the budget. “That’s not partnership. That’s a neglect of your own responsibility. Once again, we’re being asked to pit public safety and affordable housing against public education. That is a false and dangerous choice, and one we sh

See Full Page