The Geary County Commission has approved a proposed 2019 budget for publication that includes a 1.545 mill reduction in the property tax levy.

Commissioner Ben Bennett said the county departments have held the line. “Told them our goal was to reduce and lower the tax if possible, but basically to hold the line. ” Bennett added the fact that the County’s valuation went up slightly was helpful in obtaining a proposed reduction in the mill levy.

Commissioner Keith Ascher said the public hearing on the proposed budget will be August 13th and final approval will be considered August 20th. Once a budget is published it can be reduced but cannot be increased.