BUFFALO TWP — Township residents may not face a property tax hike for the 2017-18 school year.

The school board Wednesday approved a more than $30 million preliminary budget that does not include an overall tax increase.

However, South Buffalo and Freeport residents would still pay a 1.3 percent increase.

Because the district lays in two counties, a state formula is used to assess a different rate to Buffalo than to the two Armstrong County municipalities.

Dan Lucovich, school board president, stressed the budget won't be finalized until next month.

“The board could change its mind,” he said in an interview.

Lucovich said another option that could be adopted is an overall 3.3 percent tax hike.

Under that alternative, Buffalo property owners would pay 1.4 percent more while Armstrong residents would have a 3.3 percent increase.

“We all know we need tax revenue,” Lucovich said. “It is a matter of: is it the right time to do it?”

The board voted 5 to 1. Along with Lucovich, board members Barbara Toy-Gaydos, Melanie Bollinger, Christine Davies and Frank Prazenica were in the majority.

Board member Michael Huth dissented. Members John Marty, Frank Borrelli and William Gaiser did not attend the meeting.

Among expenses being reduced next year is $270,000 due to variable interest rate for debt service and cutting textbook and $200,000 technology purchase for one year.

Salaries also decrease. Four posts were eliminated through attrition following six retirements.

Lucovich said cutting those jobs saves the district $500,000 during the next three years.

Another reduction is Superintendent Ian Magness taking a wage freeze next year, saving $4,000 in salary alone next year. His annual salary is $148,000.

The board accepted Magness' resignation, effective June 30, so it could approve a new five-year contract that includes other concessions.

Lucovich said the total savings in wages and benefits from Magness' new contract will be $69,000. Magness had two years left of his old contract.

According to Lucovich, Magness traded a raise for staying under contract for another five years.

“He's very well supported by the board,” Lucovich said.

The district also faces increases in expenses.

Health care rises $223,000. Employee pension contributions increase $280,000, which is a $114,000 net increase due to state reimbursements.

The school board meets June 7 to discuss items up for a vote on June 14.