BUTLER TWP — The township's property tax rate, 11.25 mills, will remain the same for the seventh consecutive year.

The township commissioners discussed the proposed 2018 budget at their meeting Monday night.

The township's anticipated revenue and budgeted expenditures are balanced at $7.842 million, a 2.8 percent decrease from the 2017 budget.

The tax rate breaks down as 7.493 mills for general fund expenses, 2.747 mills for fire protection and 1.01 mills debt service. One mill generates $156,709 of revenue in the township.

Township manager Ed Kirkwood said the township is maintaining all of its services, while keeping its budget balanced. The police department will be replacing two police cruisers at a cost of $72,315 and will maintain its force of 21 officers, he said.

“Butler Township is very fortunate that we're able to hold the line on taxes and actually increase services,” commissioner Dave Zarnick said.

Commissioner Joe Wiest noted that a house in the township assessed at $14,667 will pay a tax bill of $165.

“That's the bargain of the century right there,” he said.

Some major expenditures listed on the budget included $1.084 million for road maintenance, $803,177 for health care premiums and $358,876 for contributions to volunteer fire companies.

The township will advertise the budget and the commissioners will take a final vote at their Dec. 18 meeting.