RALEIGH, N.C. — Wake County commissioners heard budget recommendations from the county manager Monday.

The $706 million proposal includes a 7 percent property tax increase.

The 4 cent increase in the property tax rate would mean the owner of a $200,000 house would pay an extra $80 a year in property taxes.

Commissioners will hold two public hearings on the budget before their June vote.

Other highlights of the proposed 2003-2004 budget include funding for 110 new county employees. The bulk of those employees would go to the Sheriff's Office. The proposal also includes $224 million for the Wake County Public School System. That amount is about $7 million dollars less than the school board requested.