KEARNEY, Neb. - Kearney Public Schools are lowering the overall tax levy again this year, even as costs rise and cash reserves are used to help balance the budget.

The district’s total budget for the upcoming school year is just under $60 million, with more than $45 million going towards the General Fund.

Personnel costs make up about 86% of the budget, with total compensation climbing almost $4 million compared to last year.

The district is lowering the tax levy by almost seven cents for the second year in a row, however, school board officials say they’re using some cash reserves in order to balance the budget- which is a move that can’t be sustained in the long term.

School officials emphasized the priority of maintaining quality services in addition to being mindful about supporting the district’s growth and educational priorities.

"We are trying to be conservative with the county's tax dollars here. And trying to stretch the dollars that our community is putting in as far as we can, while also maintaining healthy accounts so that our school is protected in the future," said KPS Board of Education President John Icenogle.

Several ongoing construction projects are contributing over $11 million in costs to the budget this year and will leave the books when completed.