Posted: 12:15 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2014

By Denise G. Callahan

Staff Writer

BUTLER COUNTY —

Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix plans to hold a meeting to explain to local officials how the land bank can help rid communities of blighted buildings.

Two years ago the cities of Hamilton and Middletown asked the commissioners to form a county land bank to help secure $2.7 million in “Moving Ohio Forward” (MOF) matching funds from the state attorney general’s office. About 500 buildings have been razed in the two cities.

The land bank also has many tools available to all cities and townships with respect to title issues and delinquent taxes, Nix said. Recently the county commissioners voted to fund the land bank for the next three years using delinquent tax assessment and collection funds.

Nix and Kathy Dudley from Hamilton will conduct a presentation at 2 p.m. July 22 in the first floor of the Government Services Center in Hamilton, to explain the land bank concept and the tools available.

Butler County councilmen, township trustees, city or township administration and economic development professionals are asked to RSVP by emailing Nix at nixn@butlercountyohio.org or call 513-887-3166.

QUESTION FOR TODAY: Why isn't Hamilton using this money to tear down old commerical properties? Then why is Middletown allowed to use this same money for the demo of commerical property? The guidlines clearly state this money is for the removal of residental property only.