(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has approved for publication a proposed 2022-23 budget that calls for net expenditures of nearly $20.5 million and a slight decrease in the property tax levy.

The board took the action Monday evening after Superintendent Lonnie Moser reviewed the proposed budget.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 48.518 mills, which is a .231 mill decrease from last year.

The budget calls for the district to collect more than $6.7 million in local tax revenue. 

Moser said the district's assessed valuation increased $6.8 from last year.

He said the budget includes a proposal to raise the local option budget from 30 percent to 31 percent of the general fund.

The board will hold two hearings at their September 12 meeting. The first at 6 p.m. on its intent to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate and the second at 6:10 p.m on the proposed budget.