If Wheatland council adopts its proposed 2004 budget as is, it will spell a property tax increase of 0.75 mill to 15.75 mills.

The $375,845 budget is up $18,599, or 5 percent, from this year's $357,246.

A mill is $1 for every $1,000 in assessed property value; assessments are a property's 1970 market value. A mill nets the borough $11,275.

Last year's average property assessment in the borough was $15,500, so with that figure, the new tax bill would be $244.13, slightly higher than this year's $232.50.

Council President David Cusick said salary increases were the most notable changes in the spending plan.

New council members will see their salaries double, from $800 to $1,600 a year.