It’s not much of a tax break, but it’s one nonetheless.

Rugby property owners will see between a $3 and $15 decrease in their city portion of taxes next year compared to this year as a result of 2010 budget calling for slightly fewer mills.

The Rugby City Council approved the 2010 budget following a public hearing on Oct. 5 in which no one appeared to comment.

The total amount levied is just shy of $500,000, and equates to 122.75 mills. One city mill equals $4,033.82.

Preliminary figures revealed a slight mill levy increase, but city officials managed to trim the budget. Several city departments were trimmed, including the armory and city hall.

There are no major repairs or several equipment purchases expected next year. The one exception is the purchase of a skid- steer with a snowblower attachment for street department. However, the equipment is being funded entirely from additional Department of Transportation funds received.

The budget does include a one percent wage increase for city employees, effective in January, 2010. In addition, workers will receive a 20-cent-an-hour service credit. That increase to hourly wages will begin on the anniversary date of when employees began work for the city.