The Elizabethton City Council approved the school budget on first reading. A second reading and public hearing on the budget ordinance was passed unanimously with no discussion. The approved ordinance also included employee pay raises. The property tax rate will remain the same at 1-dollar and 78-cents of assessed value. Last year the council approved an increase in the property tax rate for the first time in 19 years. Solid waste user fees and the water capital improvement fees were also approved on first readings. (bg)