Before their vote to adopt a $261.74 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year Tuesday evening, Apex’s five voting Town Council members all acknowledged it was a difficult decision for them to approve a 1.75-cent property tax increase for residents. Councilmember Ed Gray likened it to his 28-year-long marriage to his wife, “the smartest, most beautiful, most intelligent and caring person on this entire planet.” “Our secret is simple,” he said. “No one’s happy.