Hermitage School Board Thursday unanimously adopted a 2003-04 budget, which was trimmed slightly after some staff reductions.

The new budget totals $21.75 million with a 4-mill property tax increase, putting the total millage at 50.75 mills.

Last month the board discussed a 5-mill tax hike, but directors were able to decrease it through some staff and program reductions, said board President Duane Piccirilli.

He and Superintendent Karen Ionta agreed the reductions were unfortunate, but necessary, to avoid larger tax increases.

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