Is a levy ballot worthy?

Commissioners weigh tax review group to analyze whether a county agency should go before voters.

Parade to mark Memorial Day in Lebanon
6:01 p.m.
Lebanon updates law banning vicious dogs
5:59 p.m.
Emergency response team offers training
5:57 p.m.
4-H Club helps erect flag pole at Bentley Woods
5:55 p.m.
City honors life of Lebanon marshal
5:47 p.m.
> More headlines

By Dave Greber, Staff Writer 9:34 PM Tuesday, May 25, 2010

HAMILTON — Butler County agencies seeking ballot initiatives could soon be forced to undergo an additional step.

County commissioners are considering a proposal presented Monday, May 24, to create a nine-member Tax Levy Review Committee — modeled after a move by Hamilton County — to analyze the financial strength of a county agency and its need to place an additional tax before voters.

The committee, which would be appointed by commissioners, would have no authority to approve or deny the need for a levy. Rather, the commission would take under consideration the committee’s recommendation, and make its own decision.

“What this is, is an informational mechanism for the board,” said attorney Gary Sheets, the county’s new personnel director, adding the committee also could have access to a consultant should the need arise.

The committee would only consider levy requests that fall under commissioner purview — such as an expected measure from MetroParks of Butler County, which could appear on the ballot in November, or a levy for senior services — and not local school levies or city tax issues.

Commissioners said they’d like to review language that would govern such a committee, hold public hearings in the coming weeks and appoint members sometime early next year. A cost to create the committee has not yet been determined, Sheets, said, though the cost for a possible consultant used by the committee could be rolled into any levy request.

Commissioner Donald Dixon agreed with the 2011 timeline.

“It gives us a little time to do it the right way and get it implemented,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2112 or dgreber@coxohio.com.

Share this article