Texarkana, Texas, approved final budgets and adopted utility and tax rate increases in a City Council meeting Monday night, by a vote of 5-0.

Council Member Willie Ray, who has been vocal about opposing the increases, was absent.

With a 6-cent property tax increase, the city will rake in about $4 more per home each month.

Water and sewer rates are going up 15 percent and 10 percent, respectively, increasing average monthly bills $8.

But in approving the final budget, the council also guaranteed a 3 percent mid-point pay increase for all city emp...

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