CHERRY TWP — The Moniteau School District board of directors approved the district’s proposed $24 million 2023-24 general fund budget Monday, May 22, which includes a 3.50-mill real estate tax increase.

It was estimated the proposed increase would cost the average homeowner in the district an additional $52 per year.

Board member Michael Baptiste asked that the finance committee explain the district’s situation, as the district is facing a deficit.

Randy Armagost, finance committee chairman, said they lost their business manager more than nine months ago, and there still are audits being done and unknown factors related to the budget.