BUTLER TWP — Administrators at the Butler School District said balancing next year’s budget, with a $6.2 million deficit, may be the most difficult budget they’ve ever tackled.

Butler School Board members Monday night approved the district’s $100 million preliminary budget for the 2014-15 school year, which included the possibility of raising real estate taxes to the state-allowed limit of 2.6 mills, bringing millage to 96.4 mills.

Superintendent Mike Strutt assured board members the potential millage increase can be lowered before the final budget is approved, but it cannot be raised.

“It’s been tougher this year than any time up to this point,” he said.

“This was the most difficult year because I had nowhere to go,” said Cathy Rodgers, business manager. “It’s to the point where, where do we want to cut? I can’t cut anymore.”

The budget passed by a 5-4 vote.

Carmen Bianco, John Conrad, David Korn, Pringle and Al Vavro voted for the preliminary budget and the 2.6-mill tax hike. Karen Callihan, Neil Convery, Bill Halle and Jim Keffalas voted against it.

The preliminary budget needed to be passed Monday night to allow 30 days for the budget to be publicly inspected before a final budget vote on June 16.