MURFREESBORO – The tax rate and town fees here are unchanged following the approval of the town’s new budget.

The Murfreesboro Town Council recently approved their $2.06 million budget, which includes the tax rate remaining at 66 cents per $100 value and a four percent salary increase for all permanent full time employees, the first since 2010.

In his budget message to the town council, Town Administrator Brandon Holland noted there were no proposed increases in fees or water and sewer rates.

He noted the budget reflects anticipated increases to fuel costs for departments and a slight increase in the waste disposal contract of 3.6 percent.

“In response to keeping rates and the tax rate the same, 2.8 percent of fund balance is proposed to (be transferred into the general fund) to balance the budget,” the message stated.

As far capital projects, the fire department was awarded a grant for 50 percent matching funds for the purchase of a brush truck and the town’s out-of-pocket costs will be approximately $16,000; a truck to replace a 1995 F-150 at $22,000 for the Waste Water Department; and a six-inch transfer pump for the Sewer Department.

Holland noted no new debt will be issued with these purchases, which will all be one-time expenses.