Tax increases normally bring out angry residents who oppose such hikes but that was not the case at the public hearing on a proposed five-cent additional levy in real estate taxes for Floyd County.

Twenty of the 22 speakers who appeared before an overflow crowd at the hearing before the Board of Supervisors Tuesday night praised the tax increase and thanked the board for recommending it for use for the public schools, law enforcement, public safety and more.

Supervisors will vote on the final budget and tax levy in time for preparation of half-year tax bills due in June. The new budget goes into effect on July 1, the beginning of the fiscal year.