The county commissioners on Wednesday approved a $167.6 million budget for 2018.

While the budget has increased more than $7 million over the $160.5 budgeted for 2017 by the commissioners last year, a significant increase in Act 13 shale gas drilling revenue, an expected $3.5 million fund balance carry over, an almost $1 million increase in real estate revenue, lower than expected construction costs and no added positions next year will cover the increase.

Scott Andrejchak, the county’s chief clerk, said at an earlier December meeting that the county’s increase in real estate valuation is a major help in the revenue side of the budget.

“That’s what is driving our ability to meet our increased expenses next year and to operate within the budget,” Andrejchak said.

He said an anticipated $300,000 increase in wages and salaries, $383,000 in health and prescription insurance, $323,000 in debt service and a $1 million expenditure for a 911 transfer line are the main reasons for the increased costs.

The commissioners on Dec. 10 agreed that all departments must maintain employee costs to avoid increases in the county’s future.

Commissioners Chairman Leslie Osche said on Wednesday that taxpayers should expect the same at the end of 2018.

“Things are not looking much different for next year,” Osche said.