More than 30 citizens spoke against a proposed 34% real estate tax hike included in the proposed 2011 Middlesex County budget. The current tax rate is 35 cents per $100 of value; the proposed rate is 47 cents per $100. County officials say the extra tax revenue is needed to rebuild the the county fund balance, which is used as a reserve to pay bills between tax collections.

The proposed budget totals $19 million and does not increase funds for the schools. Property owners urged the board to consider other ways to raise money, such as a meal tax or taxes on personal property. Some also suggested that the budget could be trimmed.

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