The Beaver County Commissioners today unanimously approved a 220-million, 619 thousand, 487 dollar budget for 2017 with a three point eight mill tax increase. The tax increase breaks down to 25 mills for real estate and 1 mill for debt service. The 26 mills translates into about 25 dollars per mill for the average tax player. The 2017 budget is balanced. Unlike last year, there is no deficit carryover to be confronted with further cuts as the budget year progresses. Beaver County Radio’s Greg Benedetti was at the courthouse this morning for the announcement. He asked commissioners chairman Sandie Egley what she thought about the tax increase. Egley said it’s not what they wanted but it’s necessary. The budget is available at the commissioners office for taxpayer review until Decmeber 28th when the commissioners will meet to give final approval.