RALEIGH, N.C. -- Wake County Commissioners approved a $1.3 billion budget for the upcoming year Monday night.

• Total budget is $1.3 billion for next year.
• $475 million goes to Wake County Schools.
• The budget includes a 3.94 cent property tax increase.

A big portion of that budget goes to the school district, increasing funding by $45 million, which makes the total county’s appropriation to the school system at about $475 million.

The school district had been asking for $58.9 million from the county and the County Manager proposed a little more than $30 million, making it the highest per pupil funding ever in the county.

During Monday’s meeting, the board motioned to amend the budget that brought the $45 million increase, leaving the school without about $14 million.

Vice-Chair Sig Hutchinson was the only commissioner to vote against the budget.

Because of the increase in funding for schools, property tax will also be going up.

The approved budget includes a 3.94 cent property tax increase for a total proposed property tax rate of 65.44 cents.

Commissioners also included an ordinance in the budget that sets a floor of $2 million that the school system will have to use for school safety and social and emotional learning.

"Our teachers and our students deserve more than what is available to them and as a first generation college student it is with great joy and sadness that I vote yes on this budget because I know that education is a great equalizer because it was for me," said Commissioner Chair Jessica Holmes.

Aside from education, commissioners say the budget also provides a 293 percent funding increase to affordable housing.