JACKSON TWP — The Seneca Valley School Board has passed a balanced budget that includes a property tax increase of 3.7 mills.

The budget for the 2014-15 school year plans for $108.7 million in expenditures, a figure that is more than $7 million higher than the year ending June 30. The budget also calls for $107.2 million in revenues before an additional $1.5 million is added from the district’s general fund.

That extra $1.5 million is being transferred from the general fund to help pay for new textbooks and to help offset the escalating costs associated with the state’s pension system for teachers.

The district’s property tax rate now sits at 116.45 mills, meaning that the average homeowner in the district can expect an $88 tax increase.

In addition to the property tax increase, the district also curtailed the library and performing arts programs by eliminating a half-time position in each department.

School board members cautioned residents that although there was a 3.7-mill increase in the budget, 3.25 of those mills are from mandates from outside entities.

The board unanimously approved the budget, 9-0.