Butler County may share some of its natural gas drilling impact fee money with municipalities, but not now.

Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, said Wednesday the county must address its own needs first.

The county got $1.5 million in 2013 from the state impact fees.

During the commissioners meeting, McCarrier cited the example of county emergency services’ need for new equipment in 2017 that will cost an estimated $2.6 million.

He said it would be preferable to pay for that expense in cash.

McCarrier said allotting impact fee money to municipal requests before knowing the county’s budget would deplete the funds, leaving one option to bolster the coffers.

“We’re going to have raise it through taxes,” he said.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton agreed prioritizing county needs is the most beneficial tact.

Pinkerton said all property owners benefit when taxes are kept level.

“They save the money,” he said.

However, McCarrier said once a 2015 budget is composed, the county could assess whether it had any money to spare.

“I won’t rule it out,” McCarrier said.

Commissioner Jim Eckstein unsuccessfully argued devoting 15 percent, or $225,000, of the 2013 impact fee allotment under state Act 13 to municipal projects.

“We need revitalization for economic development ... that’s not a handout but a hand-up,” Eckstein said.

He pointed out the county already gave impact fee money to the Glade Run Lake Conservancy and an initiative for firefighter training.

Eckstein said he wanted to give more than $225,000, but he picked a modest starting point.

According to Eckstein, 92 wells were drilled in the county during 2013 with more than 100 estimated for this year.

The county previously received $1 million for 2012 drilling.

McCarrier on Monday stressed municipalities where drilling occurs also receive impact fee money.

Mars has requested funding for its downtown revitalization and Zelienople wants money to refurbish its community pool.

Under Act 13, impact fee revenue may be used for park and recreation needs.

Eckstein said Wednesday some areas in the county are economically depressed.

“If the spokes of the wheel are neglected, become rusty and loose, you’re in for a rough ride,” he said.

McCarrier and Pinkerton oppose Eckstein’s idea to create an application process for municipalities to request impact fee money.

According to McCarrier, municipalities may use the general funding request process already in place.

“We have a protocol in place,” he said.