ADAMS TWP — Property owners in the Mars School District will likely not see a property tax increase next year.

The $43.5 million preliminary budget for the 2014-15 school year was approved Tuesday night by the school board.

Business manager Jill Swaney said the property tax rate in the tentative budget, which will be voted on in its final version on June 10, will remain at 99 mills for the eighth consecutive year.

The budget shows both revenues and expenses have increased by 5 percent over the current $41.4 million budget. Swaney said the increase will be covered as tax revenue rises due to growth in the district.

She said higher expenditures are for salary increases, new staff, increased statewide retirement payments, a 7.7 percent hike in health insurance costs, special education costs from more incoming students, and growth in the district’s technology program.

Regarding the additional staff, Swaney said six more teachers, two support employees, and an assistant superintendent for elementary education would be added next year.

One of the new teachers will be the rehire of the last furloughed employee left from cost-cutting measures taken a few years ago.

Board President Dayle Ferguson was pleased with the tentative budget.

“There are always lots and lots of needs, but I think we’ve done a pretty good job of prioritizing and managing our growth,” Ferguson said.

Elementary school teacher and union representative Chris Petrini thanked the board for restoring the final furloughed employee.

The tentative budget is available for viewing on the district’s website, www.marsk12.org.