JEFFERSON TWP — There will be no tax increase in the South Butler County School District's preliminary 2019-20 budget, but there won't be a decrease either.

Board member Matt Cimbala made a motion at Wednesday's board meeting to approve a preliminary budget with a 2 mill decrease for the next school year.

Rebecca Boyd seconded the motion, which was followed by a spirited discussion on the unusual millage move.

But board member George Zacherl scoffed at the notion.

He said a feasibility study that was presented to the board on Tuesday night showed that the district's buildings are in disrepair and will require extensive upgrades, renovation and construction in the near future.

District solicitor Tom Breth explained that in the 4-4 tie, the motion fails because the motion did not get a majority vote.

A motion was then made to approve a preliminary budget with no tax increase.

That vote passed 5-3.

The budget will be available for public view for 30 days. The board must approve a final budget by June 30.

This is an excerpt — read Thursday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online to read the discussion that occurred about the suggested 2 mill decrease.