County residents will not see a millage increase in 2021 if the version of the budget presented at the Wednesday county commissioners meeting is approved.

Ann Brown, the county's budget and human services finance director, presented the budget at the meeting.

The $189 million proposed 2021 budget holds the county millage rate at 27.626 mills. A mill generates $1 in revenue for each $1,000 of a property's assessed value.

The $69.7 million general fund budget will be funded through an estimated $50.7 million from real estate taxes, almost $13 million in general fund revenue and $6 million in the fund balance carryover from this year, Brown said.

She said after researching each year's county budget going back to 2008 and considering the effects of the pandemic on the county's finances, the targeted real estate tax collection rate was set at 97.55%.

That would bring in $51.6 million in general fund revenue, Brown said.

Regarding sources of revenue for the general fund, Brown said 73% comes from real estate taxes and debt service taxes, 9% from fund equity and 7% from charges for services such as recording fees, adult probation fees, work release fees and park rental fees.

Only 2% of the general fund's revenue comes from federal and state grants, state entitlements and intergovernmental services, Brown said.

Fines and forfeits, miscellaneous revenues and other financing sources each accounted for 1% of budget revenues, she said.

Fees for housing out-of-county prisoners at the Butler County Prison is estimated to earn the county just over $1 million next year.

Commissioner Kevin Boozel said he believes the county should not be making money on the criminal justice system, but he understands the budget has funding needs.

On the expenditure side, the largest chunk of funds paid by the county continues to be public safety and judicial costs, at 28% and 23%, respectively.

The next categories are general government expenses from the commissioners, controller, treasurer and public defenders at 21% of the general fund budget, transfers to other funds at 9%, human services expenditures to Butler County Community College and veterans' organizations and other services at 8%, and payment of interest and principal on debt at 7%.

Miscellaneous expenditures, culture and recreation, and conservation and development are the remaining expenses in the general fund.

Regarding county debt, the imminent refinancing of a 2014 bond series is expected to save the county $124,274 in 2021.

All three commissioners commented on preparing a budget in a year marred by the coronavirus pandemic, and board Chairwoman Leslie Osche commended Brown for her hard work in organizing the 2021 version presented Wednesday.

Commissioner Kim Geyer said while the year was difficult for the county financially, Butler County continues to grow.

She said the county planning commission minutes the commissioners review each month showed housing developments coming to Middlesex, Lancaster, Forward and Connoquenessing townships.

Boozel said he realizes businesses are being negatively affected by the pandemic, which could affect tax collection.

“We are going to consciously watch it throughout the year,” he said.

The commissioners are expected to approve a final version of the 2021 budget at their Dec. 23 meeting.