(KMZA)--The proposed 2018 budget for the city of Seneca contains a slight decrease in the property tax levy.

City Administrator Matt Rehder says the City Council approved the $11 million budget for publication Wednesday evening.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 32.294 mills, which is to raise nearly $729,000 in local taxes.   That’s a nearly $16,000 increase over this year. 

Rehder said the tax lid requirements passed by the Kansas Legislature dictated the city had to lower the mill levy.

Under a law passed by the Kansas Legislature in 2015 and amended in 2016, cities and counties in the state must ask for voter approval if the total amount of property tax they raise increases by more than the five-year average of the consumer price index.

The Council will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their August 15th meeting.