(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved for publication a proposed 2019 budget of nearly $11.8 million that calls for an about 3.2 mill property tax levy decrease.

The action came Monday on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Tim Collins casting the lone no vote.

The proposed budget contains an estimated tax rate of 40.39 mills, and calls for the county to collect nearly $5.7 million in taxes.

The Commission was able to lower the property tax levy due to an about $11 million increase in the county’s assessed valuation.

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their August 13th meeting.

In other action, the Commission voted to increase the salary of County Economic Development Director Leah Johnson to $43,000 annually upon completion of her 60-day probationary period, effective August 1st.

Johnson was hired in April to replace Adrienne Korson who resigned in March to take a position in Wichita.  

Johnson had served as part-time administrative assistant since April of last year.