Original budget proposals had included the closure of the library branches on Athens Drive and Duraleigh Road, but that plan drew opposition from library users who said they depend heavily on them.
While commissioners voted to keep the libraries open, they did trim spending by $30 million under last year's budget by laying off 22 county workers and leaving about 100 other positions unfilled.
The Wake County school system will get $313.5 million. That's less than the $316 million the district requested, and educations officials say the combination of less state and county funding will likely lead to fewer teachers handling larger classes and other cuts.
Wake's property tax rate will stay at 53.4 cents per $100 of property value.
