( KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved for publication a proposed 2020 budget of $8.1 million that calls for a slight increase in the property tax levy.

The Commission took the action Monday evening.

The proposed budget contains a .051 mill increase over the current year's budget, which is equal to $1,184.

It calls for the city to collect more than $1.2 million in property taxes.

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their July 15 meeting.

In other business, City Administrator Mike Nichols told Commissioners a resolution has been drafted for their review that would place a proposed one-quarter percent city-wide sales tax on the November general election ballot for general recreational purposes.

The Commission is to consider approval of the resolution at their July 15 meeting.

It would replace an existing one-quarter percent sales tax imposed for the historical post lantern street light project and other street lighting purposes, which is set to expire March 31, 2020.

The new sales tax, if approved by voters, would take effect April 1, 2020.

Mayor Bill Collins said it would allow the city to reduce its property tax levy 3 to 7 mills.