The Butler County Commissioners at today’s meeting outlined ways they are taking a hard look at the 2016 county budget.

In December, the former commissioners approved the $150.7 million budget with a 27.6-mill property tax rate, which includes a 3-mill tax increase.

The new commissioners, sworn in last week, have 30 days from when they took office to amend the budget. Commissioner Leslie Osche said she anticipates finding “significant opportunities” for savings in the budget, but she said commissioners still are working with individual departments to identify those areas.

All three commissioners also are working with Controller Ben Holland and Treasurer Diane Marburger to get a cash flow report for the past three years. Following that, they will work to get a cash flow projection for this year.

Additionally, the commissioners are looking at normalizing payments, looking at ways of making more regular payments on loans and Tax Anticipation Notes. In the past, she said payments were made sporadically.

Osche said the commissioners will try to confirm revenue amounts and expenses related to staff. She said this will include looking at positions that were created but were never filled.