[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6656817,"mediaKeyId","5115488-60a8e8ca39a7985f13009e28eed85530","parentId",5115488,"title","Commissioners weigh GIS migration study; request more IT detail before approving contract","audioSeconds",709,"startMs",4242005,"endMs",4951435,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115488-60a8e8ca39a7985f13009e28eed85530&start=4242&end=4951","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115488-60a8e8ca39a7985f13009e28eed85530/thumbnail_4242005.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6656817/Butler-County/Ohio/Commissioners-weigh-GIS-migration-study-request-more-IT-detail-before-approving-contract","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656817-2027fa05915a890bafd9c54ed793e629/orig.mp4?Expires=1770566319&Signature=OKZit2n9YzsDSSO85AEJ7hHU37OjmoZMWMhdrRn8wJaW93rBg~k7rZ3JR1Rl02p884-x8jlFqvZ5QHUHCma5gzAkXx8~aA5t~0YkAufkjFjW59Ww7EoOG1rDu2GqIwGlBUPpmEc6tPd3jKidSSj64EBhhofFhktY1fnxYEuw5imVjv4uOej7Q3EyqwRbBLU5DUUYWibPPb13~btFH48soGsn2kIWwE4d0JUtz1wLqZbHLRKwWr99Ufqa~R9Kr6~JJCq2DpzfzfEiRFFDnsROtnvx39UU0QWbxEvdviph3AtqOmj08juMCUAGHqINjQlMHKg-jPGPRp~WFibvCvIIzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Butler County OH","date","2025-07-01T09:30:00Z","article","Butler County commissioners discussed a proposed infrastructure, planning and migration study to consolidate and integrate the county's geographic information systems (GIS). The proposal, presented by county administration and information-services staff, identified the vendor as Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and cited a study cost figure in the presentation; commissioners asked for more technical detail from the county's Information Services director before approving any contract.

The county administrator explained the study's goal: to examine “these three silos” (the auditor, engineer and commissioners' GIS instances) and recommend an integrated network approach that reduces duplication and improves access. The administrator said the study is intended to assess the current network and application stack and produce a plan for migration and shared services.

Finance and other staff discussed the funding approach: the auditor's real-estate fund and water-and-sewer funds would contribute alongside the general fund. At one point in discussion staff referenced an approximate $783,000 figure for an ESRI infrastructure and migration engagement; later comments during Q&A indicated the auditor's share would be a much smaller portion (auditor representatives mentioned a contribution on the order of $24,000–$26,000). Commissioners sought clarity on the overall scope, which parts of the system are “base map” versus office-specific applications and whether the proposal would increase staff headcount in Information Services.

Commissioner Carpenter repeatedly requested a technical briefing with the county's IT lead, and commissioners asked that Information Services Director Eric (surname not specified in the transcript) attend and explain the proposal's network, staffing and security implications. The administrator confirmed Eric is leading the effort and agreed to arrange a follow-up with him after the director returns from vacation. The board agreed to hold the item for additional briefing rather than vote to approve it at this meeting.

Why it matters: county GIS underpins land records, engineering plats, water and sewer asset management and other services. Commissioners said they want a clear plan for vendor scope, where data and servers will be hosted, who will own specific applications and whether the change will require additional staff or create efficiencies.

Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to schedule an in-depth briefing with Information Services and to provide a cost and governance breakdown that specifies each contributor’s share before the board considers contracting for the study.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Butler County Commissioners Meeting - Jul 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County staff proposed an infrastructure, planning and migration study with ESRI for the county's geographic information system; the board asked for further technical briefings with Information Services staff and agreed to hold the item for later action after clarifying scope and costs.","taxTitle","Butler County, Ohio","taxId",4032,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656822,"Commissioners approve Freedom Point Phase 12 final plat amid concerns about changed development mix",539,3320175,3859530,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115488-60a8e8ca39a7985f13009e28eed85530&start=3320&end=3859","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115488-60a8e8ca39a7985f13009e28eed85530/thumbnail_3320175.jpg","/articles/6656822/Butler-County/Ohio/Commissioners-approve-Freedom-Point-Phase-12-final-plat-amid-concerns-about-changed-development-mix","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656822-e10e6d4b7b2f3ff72ac9f695ed966d34/orig.mp4?Expires=1770566319&Signature=QLJ7JNDiuOOpe5xCUn-h-5E-lMv~M6~v5EFqRisTGXcu6OSlGchgZBP0OQpY~GC7k-QbOLvwzkwLO2kq3xwClQpWYOG8HFBnfE6wl0mYssG7~LI3IsSyZ6AfTwgIzTjC-szjCcoOYc80VJGYwautt2~zn-Xeo4osggbesJ9aSoxTB9aR7jW3zhJ-t45t3UcQepKWeKETyhIbO0e0vq4cX~wOEWtlBM9AIWUEbI0uurPb-EIaB10A03MQkemeAqVCEeNW7df8r3baq24bvk0e~6Q0j77CeP54QCHs3pNFiCVUZllngvdboKDkEd1x2dy7cBRN~6yQrV0oqxvLfO6T8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Butler County Board of Commissioners approved the final plat for Freedom Point Phase 12 (Lots 16–18) in Liberty Township after hearing a staff presentation and extended discussion about how the developer has altered proposed uses for the site. The approval passed with recorded votes: Commissioner Carpenter yes, Commissioner Rogers yes and Commissioner Dixon reluctantly yes.

Craig Flotte of the Department of Development told commissioners the plat comprises three new lots totaling about 3.5 acres: Lot 16 (0.84 acres), Lot 17 (1.23 acres) and Lot 18 (1.43 acres). Flotte said the planning commission approved the plat on June 10.

Flotte described the current end-user plans he had been told by the developer: “Lot 18 was intended to be an E and O restaurant ... Lot 17 is to be a Zaxby’s ... [Lot] 16 I’m unclear on what Lot 16 will be used for.” Commissioners pressed staff to provide comparison data showing what uses were originally proposed when county funds were committed to the development and what the changed configuration means for projected sales-tax and hotel-tax revenues.

Commissioner Carpenter said county resources and aesthetic expectations were factors in earlier decisions to invest in the site. In discussion, the board recalled a county contribution of about $6,000,000 to the development and said some project costs (roundabouts, site enhancements) accounted for part of that investment; in the transcript a commissioner referenced $6,600,000 as a total figure that included other elements.

The board asked development staff to provide a net-revenue comparison — what had been projected under the original plan and what is now expected under the revised lot mix — and requested a single summary that aggregates developer commitments, changed uses and revenue differences. Planning staff said they already track the information and will provide the requested materials.

Why it matters: Commissioners said they are concerned about visibility and long-term revenue expectations when county funds have supported infrastructure and site improvements. Several commissioners asked for more detail about how a changed mix — fewer hotels and more fast-food or restaurant uses — will affect hotel-tax revenues and broader economic-development aims.

Vote and next steps: The motion to approve Freedom Point Phase 12 (Lots 16–18) passed in roll call: Carpenter yes, Rogers yes, Dixon reluctantly yes. Commissioners directed staff to deliver a comparative revenue analysis and to compile documentation on prior county investments and the project's anticipated tax yield for board review.","The board approved the Freedom Point Phase 12 final plat in Liberty Township creating three lots; planning staff said two lots are slated for restaurants (Zaxby's and an E & O sit-down restaurant), and commissioners pressed staff for information about original developer commitments and county investments in the project.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656827,"Butler County holds public hearing on proposed 2026 tax budget; no vote scheduled",2707,605214,3312980,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115488-60a8e8ca39a7985f13009e28eed85530&start=605&end=3312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115488-60a8e8ca39a7985f13009e28eed85530/thumbnail_605214.jpg","/articles/6656827/Butler-County/Ohio/Butler-County-holds-public-hearing-on-proposed-2026-tax-budget-no-vote-scheduled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656827-b785c7223a09c9a850244359200c7b03/orig.mp4?Expires=1770566319&Signature=JI7rRTzHxM-bXvG0sfQzPKXfqOxlkUSWDx7UEyTHfbBL0UG4H9ZpUhPNzutzHbWYTtokfAnF70SL6XOHHwhtZ-7fh6PfPveD5B9DYPAjScki90-mnYhs0BWlY2pnccThZMiQbUhSEKnPkDAh8R2Wa3P23AEf7bHhH7mjvE7PT2jHxXfYvOO2om-Z~PEDbwPeKgzBrasvkkCwZ0OQJlakUIpINcbvbLCWf44ZsstdtaNgqgK9HDh43llxCzzUigzMbri4YasR7D9hobJk2wQbCwpsRlBcBlMEEX9FXDfvWT05KYlacFgr~PbVtyWekWqhJ0SQZPZQHEm9ywor17NPPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Butler County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing Wednesday on the county's proposed 2026 tax budget, receiving a detailed presentation from the county administrator and Finance Director David McCormick that outlined revenue and expense forecasts, reserve plans and planned capital projects. The board closed the hearing with no final vote; commissioners said the board will deliberate and vote at its June 8, 2025 meeting.

The county administrator said, “As required by statute, county commissioners are required to develop and submit to its county auditor by July 15 a tax budget, demonstrating estimated revenues and projected expenses by fund.” Finance Director David McCormick summarized the draft numbers: “We are budgeting $146,100,000 of revenue for 2026” and “total expenditures that we're budgeting from the general fund for 2026, which is $132,000,000.”

The proposal projects an estimated beginning unencumbered cash balance of $164,235,447 and estimated resources for 2026 — carryover plus budgeted revenues — of roughly $310.4 million. After the draft operating and capital allocations, staff presented a projected year-end available balance they described as “potentially discretionary” of about $43.8 million before policy-set reserves and planned capital draws.

Why it matters: the draft carries several large, multi-year capital allocations that would reduce the county's unencumbered balances while preserving policy reserves. The administrator and finance staff said the budget remains “balanced” under county policy while noting longer-term structural pressures if expense growth outpaces revenue growth.

Key figures and planned allocations from the presentation:
- Budgeted general fund revenues: $146,100,000 (presented as a 9.8% increase from the adopted 2025 budget in one slide and described in discussion as roughly $12.9 million higher than 2025 budgeted revenues).
- Budgeted general fund expenditures: $132,000,000 (a 4.5% increase from 2025 adopted budget).
- Estimated unencumbered beginning balance: $164,235,447.
- Investment income budget: $17,500,000 (finance staff said this increase reflects fixed-rate instruments and portfolio timing).
- A $15,000,000 annual contribution into a capital reserve (the fourth year of contributions), with $45,000,000 currently in the capital reserve and $35,000,000 of identified planned spending over the next two years for projects that include a 911 emergency communications center and coroner consolidation.
- A continuing $5,000,000 annual allocation to the county engineer for roadway and enhanced paving projects (the board referenced a multi-year 3–5 year commitment).
- A multi-year capital plan for the county's 911 radio/telecommunications system; staff said the sheriff estimates roughly $5,000,000 will be needed over the next five years for tower and backbone equipment replacements.
- Policy reserves shown in the draft: $16,000,000 budget stabilization and a nine-month cash reserve of $93,500,000.

Staff emphasized the personnel cost component of the expense increase: McCormick and the county administrator told commissioners that of the roughly $5.7 million increase in budgeted expenses, about $5.3 million relates to personnel costs (salaries, retirement and health benefits). The board has a hiring moratorium in place; staff said the moratorium reduces near-term hiring but that prior pay adjustments are reflected in the 2026 personnel projections.

During discussion, commissioners and staff noted the county's previously adopted fiscal policy and said staff will provide more multi-year forecasting and monitoring under that policy. The administrator referenced a county resolution adopted in December 2024 establishing fiscal policy goals and tracking requirements.

No public speakers addressed the budget at the hearing. The board opened the hearing by voice vote and later closed it; recorded votes for opening and closing were affirmative by Commissioner Carpenter, Commissioner Rogers and Commissioner Dixon. The board stated it will deliberate and formally vote on the 2026 tax budget at its June 8, 2025 meeting.

Next steps: Staff said it will refine the figures as state-level legislative changes become final and will present the operating budget later in the year along with the certificate of estimated resources the county auditor must certify by statute.","County administrators and finance staff presented a draft 2026 tax budget showing $146.1 million in estimated revenues, $132.0 million in projected expenditures and a $164.2 million beginning unencumbered balance; board opened and closed the public hearing and will deliberate and vote June 8, 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners weigh GIS migration study; request more IT detail before approving contract

Commissioners approve Freedom Point Phase 12 final plat amid concerns about changed development mix

Butler County holds public hearing on proposed 2026 tax budget; no vote scheduled