Butler School Board members Monday asked administrators to prepare a 2018-19 budget with a 1.56-mill increase in real estate taxes to review at next week's meeting.

The request came after Superintendent Brian White told the board that he prepared an 18-year financial plan that doesn't include a tax increase next year, but raises taxes in 2019-20.

“Our budget is balanced. I don't need a tax increase next year,” White said.

However, he urged the board to consider planning for future capital projects.

A capital project fund would provide money for projects without the added expense of borrowing money, he said.

By a showing of hands, all board members indicated they supported the 1.56-mill increase, which would raise the total millage to 102.56.

Board member Bill Halle suggested delaying any tax increase until a strategic plan is developed so the board knows how high of a tax increase would be needed.

Read in the Eagle more about how this would affect property taxes.