The $64.4 million general fund in the proposed 2018 Butler County budget presented at Wednesday's commissioners meeting does not include a tax increase.

Scott Andrejchak, the county's chief clerk, explained that although expenses are expected to rise by 2.2 percent, or $1.4 million next year, they will be covered by a $370,000 increase in Act 13 shale gas drilling revenue, an expected $3.5 million fund balance carry over, $890,300 in increased real estate taxes, no new positions and the fact that many past projections for expenses came in lower than expected.

He said the county's increased real estate valuation is a major boon to the budget, which maintains all programs and services next year.

“That's what is driving our ability to meet our increased expenses next year and to operate within the budget,” Andrejchak said.

He also touted the shale gas drilling income in helping to hold up the revenue side of the budget.

The estimated $1.6 million in Act 13 revenue next year will be divided among the 911 center, the new infrastructure bank, and technological and capital improvements. A small amount will serve as discretionary funds for the county.

Andrejchak said the savings in next year's budget, including a 41 percent decrease in the county's contingency fund, a drop of 18 percent in postage costs and a 38.5 reduction in other miscellaneous costs, are also helping to drive the final budget number down for next year.

Regarding proposed expenditures next year, Andrejchak said an expected $300,000 increase in wages and salaries, $383,000 in health and prescription insurance, $323,000 in debt service and a $1 million expenditure for a 911 transfer line are the main reasons for the increased costs.

All three commissioners commented on the goal of maintaining employee costs to avoid increases in the county's future.

“There is still work to do in the next year in workforce planning and size,” said Chairman Leslie Osche.

She said the increase in real estate valuation is a boon many counties do not enjoy.

“We're fortunate to be in a county that has that revenue growth,” Osche said.

Commissioner Kevin Boozel said the budget shows that the county must remain within its financial means.

“The fact that there are no new positions should make a very clear statement that while we would like to grow and provide additional services, the budget does not permit us to do that,” he said.

Boozel also said the commissioners are investing in long-term capital improvement projects that will carry the county into the future.

“We are doing our very, very best to control costs,” Boozel said.

Commissioner Kim Geyer said the row offices and courts should focus on efficiency and the commissioners' goal should be providing government services and programs in a more efficient way while avoiding cost increases.

“It's going to be a continual process ongoing,” Geyer said.

She said all department heads going forward should try to work with less staff, materials and resources.

“It's change, and that change is going to continue throughout this process,” Geyer said.

The total 2018 budget, which includes more than 40 funds in addition to the general fund, is projected at $167.6 million, Andrejchak said.

The 27.6-mill budget is expected to be voted on by the commissioners on Dec. 27.