NORFOLK, Neb. -- On Wednesday night, Norfolk Public Schools approved their budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

NPS has set its property tax levy at $1.078131 per $100 of assessed value. While a decrease from last year's levy of $1.08, taxes will still be going up for many in the district. Assessed property value increased by 6.21% from last year according to the board of education. Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson says the property tax request increased by $1.8 million compared to last year, which she says is for new staff coming to the district.

"We are asking for $1.8 million more in property taxes this year than last year," Thompson said. "We hired ten additional certified staff this school year to assist with students increasing mental health and learning needs. We also increased our hourly classified staff wages to a minimum of $15 an hour in order to compete with other local employers. We will watch our spending throughout the year and take efforts to lower spending when it is possible without sacrificing the quality of education that we provide for our students."

Before approving their final request, the board of education held a public comments section for the audience. However, no one in attendance took to the lectern. The vote was unanimously approved by the board of education.