Stearns County’s Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary budget and levy of $131 million for 2015.

The board says the budget is 1.61% lower in expenditures, but includes a levy increase of 1.81%, amounting to $70 million because of the increased caseloads in Human Services, and a decrease in federal and state aid.

Most property tax payers will see a reduction in taxes because of a 4.5% increase in tax capacity. The entire budget estimated for 2015 might see changes before the final decision is made December.