The Butler County commissioners were in Harrisburg early this week to meet with state officials about various issues, particularly funding.

The commissioners, who were at the state capital Monday and Tuesday, stressed the need for the state to avoid a budget impasse or prioritize human services funding under a worst-case scenario.

“We made our point clear,” said Commissioner Kevin Boozel.

Commissioner Leslie Osche said the county cannot provide all state mandated services if money is not forthcoming during the next fiscal year.

“We will shut down programs,” Osche said.

The commissioners also discussed the impact that the opioid crisis has on human services with increased caseloads.

On the funding side, the commissioners told legislators the importance of keeping natural gas drilling impact fees as a revenue source.

Commissioner Kim Geyer said they showed the legislators the county’s new policy for distributing the funding.

Under the county policy, money is directed to emergency services and municipal infrastructure needs.

Geyer said the county is showing the state a model for other counties to follow.

“We’re setting an example,” she said.

The commissioners also discussed effective use of taxation while at the state capital.

Osche said state legislators decided to tax the vaping industry, which sells devices using liquid, nicotine and flavoring in lieu of smoking.

She said vape stores shut down rather than pay the extra tax, so state officials want to carefully evaluate what possible new taxes would be effective.

Geyer said a goal of this trip was meeting legislators beyond those representing the county.

“We’re broadening the scope,” she said.

Through state Rep. Will Tallman, R-193rd, the commissioners were able to compare notes with York County, which also is buying a new 911 radio system.

Along with meeting other legislators, including those representing the county, the commissioners were in Lt. Gov. Mike Stack’s office.

Geyer said maintaining a dialogue with state officials can only benefit the county.

“It pays off dividends over time,” she said. “It puts us on the radar.”

They also were on hand for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania’s unveiling of its 2017 priorities, which include human services funding, maintaining the drilling impact fee, and diversifying the tax base.

Osche said the county needs to be prepared in case the state would implement property tax reform.

She said the commissioners are fulfilling what county residents want.

“I’ve had a number of people say we want you to be a strong voice in Harrisburg,” Osche said.