Minot property owners would see a small increase in their park district taxes next year under a 2024 budget adopted on first reading Tuesday.

The budget spends $15.28 million and calls for $11.5 million in property taxes, up slightly from $11 million in 2023. The increased collections would come from new properties on the tax rolls and increases in valuations to existing properties rather than a mill levy increase.

Two residents spoke about their concern over the level of taxation.

Board member Perry Olson said he shares the concern, which is why he went through the proposed budget line by line to look for places to lower spending.

“It’s hard to find spots to pull from right now. We don’t have major projects that we’ve got on the budget for this coming year. I don’t know what the answer is,” Olson said.

He said the board did take steps to keep costs down, including leaving a couple of staff positions unfilled.

The board will meet Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. to consider the budget on second reading.