Although the coronavirus pandemic has caused a $779,000 deficit in next year's proposed South Butler County School District budget, no tax increase is planned at this point.

The school board voted 8-1 during its Wednesday night virtual meeting to pass the $36.6 million 2020-21 tentative budget, which displays the fiscal black eye caused by the pandemic.

George Zacherl cast the dissenting vote.

The main reasons for the deficit are the sharp decreases in revenue expected as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appeared in Sunday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.