Taxes will most likely increase for the first time in a long time for Shenango Township residents.

The proposed 2003 budget of $937,745 calls for a 2.333-mill property tax increase over this year's spending plan.

Supervisor Charles Gilliland said the biggest reason for the tax increase is insurance costs. "Everybody's having the same problem," he said.

He added that taxes haven't been raised in 15 years. "It's like everything else, everybody needs a raise."

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

At 7 mills in 2003, a property assessed at $18,000 would carry a tax bill of $126.

A mill of taxes generates about $41,000 for the township.

The budget is on display at the municipal building. Supervisors are expected to approve the spending plan during a special meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 16.