(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education has approved the 2018-19 budget as published, which calls for a slight mill levy increase.

Approval came during the Board’s meeting Monday evening following a hearing drawing no public comment.

The budget contains for an about .8 mill increase.

USD 115 patrons in the former USD 442 area will see an estimated tax rate of 41.98 mills---6.9 mills higher than the former USD 451 area because of payments for bonds issued to build the elementary/middle school.

The budget calls for the district to collect nearly $3.5million in local taxes and allows expenditures of over $12 million.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman says the levy increase was necessary because raising operating costs are cutting away at the district’s fiscal year-ending cash balances.