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Property owner asks commissioners to intervene after zoning enforcement and tax classification dispute
Summary
A local property owner told commissioners he is paying commercial property taxes on land he says is agricultural, asserted a prior court dismissal of zoning violations, and asked the commissioners to review enforcement actions; the board agreed to look into the matter.
Jesse Vonstein addressed the Butler County Board of Commissioners during the public comment period on June 3 seeking the board’s assistance over a longstanding dispute about his property on Todd Road. Vonstein said commercial buildings on his property appear to be taxed as commercial despite the parcel being zoned agricultural and that a prior judge dismissed building/zoning violation claims; he told the board a county official later charged him again for the same matter.
“I'm at a crossroads on this investment piece of property,” Vonstein said, describing the site as formerly a Nike missile base and saying he has been engaged in a multi‑year dispute. He told commissioners he has documentation, asked for a conversation to reach a “peaceable solution,” and said he did not want to pursue litigation but would do so if necessary.
Commissioners discussed the item briefly after the public comment period and asked staff to look into Vonstein’s complaint and the apparent court dismissal. One commissioner said, “If he had a judge dismiss whatever violation, I really think we shouldn't be charging it again. Right. We should look into that.” The board requested staff follow up so the matter can be reviewed and reported back at a subsequent meeting.
No formal action, order reversal or appeal decision was made at the June 3 meeting; commissioners directed staff to investigate the case record and enforcement history and to report back.
