There won't be any increases in school taxes for Panther Valley residents this year.

The Panther Valley School Board on Thursday narrowly approved its 2016 fiscal year budget that keeps taxes at their present rates.The district straddles Carbon and Schuylkill counties. For residents of the district living in Carbon County, the millage rate is 55.69. Residents of Schuylkill County living in the district, particularly in Coaldale borough, will see a 0.53-mill rate reduction, from 49.12 mills to 48.59 mills.The computation of property taxes differs between the two counties, resulting in different millage rates.The budget was passed on a 5-3 vote. In favor were board members Irene Genther, Michelle Markovich, Brian Dolena, Anthony DeMarco and Dan Heaney. Opposed were Bill Hunsicker, John Williams and new board appointee Gary Porembo.Board President Jeff Markovich abstained from voting.Initially, the board was deadlocked 4-4 on the budget proposal, which lists expenses of $25,433,450, with Heaney casting a "no" vote.Attorney Robert Yurchak, the board solicitor, said a budget has to be passed by Tuesday or the board would be in violation of state regulations. With the board deadlocked, either at least one member must change their vote or a special meeting would have to be called on Tuesday.Heaney said he would change his vote "so we're in compliance."In January, the board gave preliminary approval to a tentative budget for the 2015-16 school year with a 3-mill tax increase proposed.Although that budget passed, Genther vowed no such tax increase would occur."It will not be as stated, I promise you that," Genther said at that January meeting.