Citizens of the town of Beloit have one more chance for public comment before the town board of supervisors approves the 2024 operating budget Monday night.

Finance Director John Malizio says the $9.5 million spending plan represents an 11.5 percent increase over 2023.

Malizio says the main driver of the budget increase, is the hiring of three new firefighters to staff the new station opening next year.

Malizio says the tax levy is decreasing by $66,000 so property taxes will either stay the same or go down.

Malizio says over half of the town’s budget goes toward police and fire protection.