Wood County commissioners will not be raising the county’s property tax rate this year.

Commissioners voted last Thursday to leave the rate the same, at 46.25 cents per $100 valuation.

County Judge Kevin White said the revenue from that rate leaves a $21,000 budget deficit, but that amount has been whittled from the budget to make it balanced.

The public will have a chance to comment on the tax rate and the budget it will fund at public hearings Thursday, Sept 5.

The day will begin with hearings on the district and county clerks’ archive funds at 8:50 and 8:55 a.m.

Commissioners will host the budget hearing at 9:00 and the tax hearing at 9:30.

Details are being finalized on the county employee health insurance plan.

White said the budget was set based on the highest possible expense, which could be lower depending upon which plans commissioners ultimately select.

The budget also includes a 4% cost of living increase for county employees.