In a split decision, the York City School Board has approved a resolution that could eventually lead to tax increase above the state limit.

The board voted 5-3 Wednesday to seek exceptions to the state's 2.7 percent property tax cap for York City schools.

The district is facing a nearly $10 million deficit for the 2013-2014 school year.

Board president Margie Orr said she voted to seek exceptions so that the district would have an option for getting additional funding through a tax increase if its necessary.

"I don't want to have to pay more taxes," Orr said. "No one wants to raise taxes, but if we have to go there, we will have that (exceptions)."

The exceptions could allow York City to raise taxes by as much as 5.67 percent. A 5.67 percent increase would add $94 to the property tax bill of a $50,000 homeowner. Taxes have gone up nearly 14 percent the past two years.

But the board wouldn't be locked into going above the limit just by seeking exceptions.

"We could go below the limit," Orr said. "We haven't made a final decision on taxes. We're still working on our budget. We still have some time. The exception is another option if we need it."

Board member James Morgan said he voted against seeking exceptions because he wants to see whether state Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget would cut York City's deficit by about half, a move that could limit the need for a tax increase.

"My household can't afford another (tax) increase," Morgan said.

Like Orr, member Jose Santiago voted "yes" to seek exceptions.

"This is not voting in favor of a tax increase," Santiago said. "We don't want taxes to go up, but we have to keep an option open."

The York City School Board increased taxes 8.5 percent this year, up to 33.73 mills.

-Reach Eyana Adah McMillan at emcmillan@yorkdispatch.com.