Now that Coweta County’s $59.6 million has been approved, residents should soon be getting their larger tax bills for 2008.

The budget passed Tuesday night incorporates a one mill increase that was approved earlier this summer. The millage increase, from 6.15 mills to 7.15 mills, marks the second consecutive year the county has raised the rate by a full mill. Residents in the incorporated county will see their millage rate rise from 6.74 mills to 7.76 mills.

Officials estimate the increase for the owner of a $200,000 home would be $80 a year. In evaluating this year’s budget, the county’s government leaders have maintained the increase is necessary to serve the county’s rapidly-expanding population. With new libraries being built and current libraries being upgraded, officials said maintenance and operation will be $1 million per year, or 29 percent of one mill. The county is also funding community center operations at the new Clay-Wood Center and Welcome Community Center, along with increasing support for Pathways Mental Health program and increasing the employee training program.

The budget includes a 2.5% COLA, a minimum number of additional personnel, and the most pressing equipment needs.