Washington County Commissioners approved the 2022 county budget on Thursday. The budget calls for nearly $148.98 million in spending with no tax increase for residents. That is about $45 million more than the 2021 budget. Those budget figures are inflated by $40 million in American Rescue Plan funds that the county has been allotted. According to county Finance Director Joshua Hatfield, the two biggest projects being considered for those funds are the expansion of broadband capabilities to make sure the underserved communities are provided access and a needs/space assessment at the jail. Hatfield described the budget as anything but typical. The expanded Human Services Department is new to the spending plan. Hatfield states that the county is always making adjustments to spending and searching for new revenue streams. Hatfield also stated that this is the twelfth year that Washington County Residents have not seen a raise in their taxes.