The 2022 preliminary county budget presented to the commissioners on Wednesday does not include a tax increase.

The $253.6 million preliminary budget's total expenditures show an increase of $64.5 million over the current budget amount of $189 million.

Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman, said the additional expenditures are the result of the millions in federal funding received by the county during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2022 general fund, at $81.8 million, also shows an increase over the current general fund total, which is $69.7 million.

Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, American Rescue Plan Act and other pandemic-related grants received by the county, the fund balance in the 2022 budget also jumped from nearly $3,000 this year to $6,000 in 2022.

The budget, which is expected to be approved by the commissioners on Dec. 22, will be available for view on the county's website, butlercountypa.gov.

Paper copies are also available at the commissioners office at the county government center on West Diamond Street.

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