The discovery that medical and liability insurance costs were lower than anticipated, saved Slippery Rock Area School District taxpayers from a higher tax increase, according to its business manager.

The district’s $36.4 million budget unanimously approved by its board Monday, June 26, including a 2.5 mill increase.

The increase brings the new millage rate 104.75 for the 2023-24 year and goes in to effect Saturday, July 1. The board previously discussed raising the rate by 3.25 mills.

Over the course of the budget planning process, which began in March, the board made estimates for the 2023-24 budget, district business manager Paul Cessar said Wednesday.

Closer to June, the district found that some of the actual numbers for medical and liability insurance were lower than anticipated some months ago, he said.

Cessar said that a retirement within the district also left some room in the budget.

“Little things added up to save an additional mill,” said Cessar.

With the previously discussed increase, the owner of a home with an approximate market value at $100,000 would have paid just over $45 more in school taxes than last year. With the new, approved tax rate, the number will be $35 more, for an annual total of about $1,474.