(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Board of Education is proposing a 2017-18 budget of $17.4 million that calls for a slight increase in the property tax levy.

The Board approved the budget for publication during a special meeting last week on a 4-2 vote.   Board members Ian Schuetz and John Wright cast the no votes.  Board member Jeff Brockhoff was absent.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the discussion that led to the 4-2 vote centered on whether or not to reduce the LOB ( local option budget ) from 30% in order to provide relief from the overall mill levy increase of .875 mills.

The proposed budget contains an estimated tax rate of 56.317 mills, which is to raise more than $6.2 million in local taxes.

Moser said the increase in taxes levied is due to several factors--a growth in student population, base budget per pupil and valuation. 

The Board will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their August 14th meeting.