CHERRY TWP — By a vote of 5 to 3, the Moniteau School Board Monday night passed a 2015-16 preliminary budget of $20.5 million. The current budget is $20.2 million.

The proposed budget includes a property tax increase of 2.28 mills and also uses $686,307 from the district’s fund balance to balance the budget.

District business manager John D’Amore said the proposed millage increase would cost the average homeowner in the district $32.18 annually.

The preliminary budget reflects an increase of $280,000 in staffing costs.

Board members Linda Dillaman, Trixie Heck, Diane Hunter, Douglas Kimmey and Roy Peffer voted for the budget. Melissa DeMatteis, Kathy McBride and Michael Panza voted against it. Member Joann Duke did not attend.

The board will vote June 22 on the final budget.

D’Amore said state funds account for about 65 percent of the district’s revenue. He noted the delay in passing the state budget makes it hard to plan the district budget.

“We’re anxious to hear from the state,” he said. “The state elected officials should work toward a consistent, predictable funding method so the district can focus on educating students.”

The board also approved $135,000 for a fuel tank project at the high school. Work will be done by the Fourth River Co. of Pittsburgh.

Superintendent George Svolos said the fuel tank replacement is part of the ongoing project to update the school heating system.

“This is a precautionary measure before (the fuel tank) does fail,” said Mike Wylie, director of buildings and grounds.