LEBANON — Warren County commissioners are worried that Deerfield Township might not have enough cash to pay its portion of joint infrastructure projects.

        Commissioner Mike Kilburn said this week he was concerned about an audit report on Deerfield's 1999 finances recently released by the state auditor's office. The report revealed the township suffered from expenditure, payroll and bidding problems.

        “I've had concerns about Deerfield's finances for several years and have been told by a lot of people to mind my own business,” Mr. Kilburn said. “Of course their spending situation is their own business, but when it might affect joint projects such as water, sewer or some other project that they have agreed to fund along with the county, we need to confirm that they have the money.”

        Trustee Tom Raga said commissioners' concerns are unwarranted and that the township has more than enough money to honor its financial obligations. He said the board of trustees and its clerk are reviewing the audit report and the township's monthly financial statements in an effort to clear up any misinformation and verify that Deerfield Township is financially sound.

        “I am very confident that we will be able to follow through with our financial commitments to the county,” Mr. Raga said.

        Commissioners have asked Warren County Sanitary Engineer Dick Renneker to make a list of all the joint water and sewer projects — discussed, planned or under way — between the county and Deerfield Township.

        The two are already collaborating on two water lines.

        The Davis Road water project, which is almost completed, will serve about 42 homes. It is estimated to cost more than $300,000, with the county and township pitching in $110,000 and $80,000, respectively. The rest will be paid by participating residents.

        The Butler-Warren Road project calls for the installation of a line south of Mason Road to provide water for residents in Deerfield's northwest quadrant. That project is estimated to cost more than $600,000.

        Mr. Kilburn said commissioners will be drafting a letter of concern asking Deerfield trustees about the township's financial status.

        “We just need to ask them point blank if they feel they are capable of funding their portion of these projects,” he said. “We just want to make sure that the county knows where the money is coming from.”

        Trustee Larry Backus said trustees would be glad to discuss the situation, but reiterated there is no cause for alarm.

        “Deerfield Township is in very sound financial condition,” he said. “This is one of the most wealthy and financially viable townships in the state of Ohio and we don't just go off and spend money haphazardly.

        “If we made commitments as a township to do these projects, that meant that the money was there to do them. We aren't going to make financial commitments if we don't have the money.”

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