Sharpsville council last week approved a proposed $2,843,412 budget for 2003, which so far includes a 26 percent tax increase.

The proposed tax hike includes 3 mills for general fund purposes, 1 mill towards a new fire truck and a 0.33-mill reduction on the mortgage for the municipal building, because the building was paid off this year, said Borough Manager Mike Wilson.

The increase would take total millage from 14.03 mills to 17.7 mills, Wilson said.

A mill is $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Assessments are a property's 1970 market value.

At 17.7 mills, a house assessed at $30,000 would carry a tax bill of $531, which is $111 more than this year -- a 26 percent increase.

A mill brings in about $28,000, Wilson said.

The budget is on display at the municipal building on Walnut Street. Council is expected to approve the budget at 7 p.m. Dec. 11.