MACHIAS, Maine (WABI) - On Wednesday, the Washington County Budget Advisory Committee voted 6-5 in favor of approving a new, $11.8 million budget for next year.

That budget includes $50,000 for resources for audits as well as $50,000 for maintenance to the budget.

As the county deals with a lingering $8 million debt, committee members debated making deep cuts in services, including the sheriff’s department, before settling on the $11.8 million figure.

Commissioners have asked towns to prepay their share of the outstanding debt in order to avoid higher taxes next year.

Some have said yes, others have said no, and some are holding meetings before the end of the year to make that decision.

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