BUTLER TWP — Spending is going up, but taxes will remain the same next year the township.

Despite a nearly $3 million budget increase, township residents likely will see taxes hold steady.

The township commissioners on Monday introduced an $11.7 million preliminary 2015 budget with an $8 million general fund and no property tax increase.

The proposed real estate tax rate remains at 11.25 mills for several reasons, according to township manager Ed Kirkwood:

• The 2015 total budget for the first time reflects the $2.4 million profit created when the township sold the 15.9-acre Deshon Woods to a developer in 2013. That money is not in the general budget, but rather it is divided in three of the township’s seven special funds: A $667,000 stormwater improvement fund; a $663,800 capital improvement fund for police, roads and parks; and a $750,000 debt service reserve fund.

• Development in the township in the past year — including a new apartment complex, a dozen new homes, a Sheetz convenience store on Route 8 and one of two planned hotels — generated more revenue by way of income, business and real estate taxes.

“We are growing at a reasonable and controllable rate,” Kirkwood said.

• And, for the third consecutive year, money from the Marcellus Shale natural gas impact fee is doubled. The township received $249,000 this year to be spent in the 2015 budget year. That is up from $113,800 spent this year, and $49,000 in 2013.