FAIRVIEW TWP — Property taxes will go up next year in the Karns City School District.

And apparently they will continue to increase for several years.

The school board Monday night approved a $26.7 million budget for the 2015-2016 school year, which is a $981,000 increase from the current budget.

The property tax rate for Butler County residents will be 87.1 mills, which is an increase of 2.44 mills. The rate for Armstrong County residents will be 42.29, an increase of .85 mill, and the rate for Clarion County residents will be 42.39 mills, an increase of .11 mills.

Superintendent Eric Ritzert said tax increases are likely to happen until the district’s retirement costs decrease or additional funds come from the state.

“Unfortunately for us, we’re in a situation where we’re looking to face a local tax increase for the next few years unless something changes,” Ritzert said.

He said the average taxpayer can expect to see his annual tax bill go up $30 next year.