Though "the word is preliminary," according to Hermitage School Board President Duane Piccirilli, the 2002-03 budget unveiled Monday would raise property taxes by 4 mills.

The budget, set at $20,792,770, is 4.56 percent higher than this year's budget of $19,844,230, according to a board statement that also included eight reasons for the proposed tax hike.

They included the cost of high school renovations and higher employee salaries and hospitalization, building insurance and transportation costs, said Director Jim Lumpp.

Last year, county commissioners changed the property tax assessment ratio from one-third of a property's 1970 market value to 100 percent. The move essentially slashed millage to a third of its former level.

Taxes are currently set at 129.75 mills, which translates to 43.25 under the new ratio.