(KMZA)--Nemaha Central USD 115 is proposing a 2024-25 budget that calls for net expenditures of nearly $16.3 million and a nearly 1.2 mill levy increase.

The USD 115 Board of Education approved the budget for publication last week.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 59.499 mills, which is expected to generate $6.2 million in property tax revenue.

Taxpayers in the former USD 442 portion of the district also have an additional 6 mill levy for bonds issued for the construction of the elementary/middle school.

The board will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their September 9th meeting. A second public hearing will also be held on the intent to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate.

Also at the meeting, Eric Stallbaumer with AHRS Construction updated the board on the progress of the bond construction project.

The deadline for phase 1 to be completed by the start of school was meet, with the exception of the high school locker room renovation. The delay was due to several factors, but Tucker Peddicord with Lighthouse Construction reassured the board that the locker rooms are to be completed by the end of the month.

Phase II, renovation of the high school, has begun and the project is ahead of schedule.

In addition, the board was told that SBS Insurance is increasing the USD 115 property value to be insured by $15 million to account for the new facilities. That will increase the district's total premium by $42,206 for 2024-25. The Board approved the increase of insurance coverage.