JEFFERSON TWP — The South Butler School Board will decide this coming Wednesday if a property tax increase will remain below the state-mandated maximum of 2.8 mills for the 2016-2017 school year.

The state’s maximum index is set for each district, requiring that South Butler keep any tax raise at three percent of its 93.27 tax rate, according to Paul Slomer, director of business affairs.

The board discussed the issue Wednesday night.

If the school board wants to exceed that maximum, the district would need to apply for an exception from the state. School districts are required to make a decision in January regarding any tax increase.

Slomer recommended the board decide the issue at the next meeting Wednesday.

The district has never tried to raise taxes above the state-mandated index, according to Tom Breth, district solicitor.

Board President Nelda Burd said she anticipates the school board will vote to keep any tax increase at the maximum.

The district has not raised taxes in the past three years, Burd said.