The proposed 2015 Butler County budget of $183.2 million does not include a property tax hike.

“The budget is balanced with no tax increase,” said chief county clerk Amy Wilson at the commissioners meeting Wednesday.

Under the proposed budget, the tax rate remains at 24.6 mills, with 3.9 mills dedicated to debt service.

The 2015 numbers are smaller than the 2014 budget due to the privatization of the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

The 2014 budget of $194.7 million covers 761 full-time employees and 111 part-timers. The proposed 2015 budget accounts for 561 full-time workers and 76 part-timers.

During a presentation, Wilson pointed out school districts take the majority of tax revenue (76 percent) from landowners, leaving the county with a fraction of the total.

“It’s only 16 percent of your tax bill,” she said.

Municipalities take the remaining 8 percent.

The current market value of all real estate in the county is $15.3 billion. One mill of tax generates $1.7 million.

Total estimated tax revenue for 2015 is $42.9 million.

However, Wilson said in an interview that only $40.7 million is budgeted due to the possibility of some taxes being uncollectible and potential outcomes of pending assessment appeals.

Contributions to nonprofit organizations total more than $6 million. Butler County Community College continues to receive the largest amount at $4.9 million.

The proposed budget will be displayed in the government center and on the county website at co.butler.pa.us for 21 days.

The commissioners are to vote on the budget at the Dec. 31 meeting, which starts at 10 a.m. in the first floor meeting room in the government center.

The commissioners awarded a $7.5 million tax anticipation note to NexTier Bank with an interest rate of 0.77 percent, which was the lowest quote offered by nearly 10 lenders.

Commissioner Jim Eckstein pointed out the rate is lower than last year’s. Wilson agreed.

“A very favorable rate,” she said.