Grove City council is stemming the tide of rising property taxes for the third year in a row. Despite more than $1 million in sewer-infrastructure and storm-drain projects scheduled for next year, Grove City's proposed 2004 budget will again be supported by 4 mills of real estate tax.

"I think it goes to the credit of the council and the way they schedule their projects," said Borough Manager Terry Farren. "They look ahead to be able to fund those projects, so we're aware of what our future needs are and plan accordingly. So when the time arrives to fund those projects, the funds are generally available."

Monday, council unanimously approved the first reading of the proposed budget of $12,965,925, which is up about $3 million from this year's budget of $10,311,958.

The increase in expenditures for upcoming projects will be paid out of reserve funds, Farren said.

Plans to install new storm drains from East Washington Street to Wolf Creek and from Center and Beaver streets to Wolf Creek, to put a new sewer line under Terrace Avenue to Princeton Street and to repair a sewer line under Hillview Circle to Blair Street will cost about $1.1 million, Farren said.