Bulloch County Commissioners passed the 2016 budget Tuesday, contingent upon the passing of a tax increase proposal next month. Bulloch County Manager Tom Couch said during a recent meeting that the county has not raised taxes in eight years, but demands for services, mainly for public safety and law enforcement, require an increase if county residents are to continue receiving the current level of services. Actually, population growth and an increase in crime have created a need for more public safety workers, law enforcement officers and equipment.