It appears the Bengals and Hamilton County taxpayers will split the cost of settling with fans unhappy with their seats in Paul Brown Stadium.

        County Administrator Dave Krings said the county would pay roughly $1 million and the Bengals $750,000. The team has pledged an additional $250,000 to cover administrative costs of the settlement.

        The amount each of the two parties pay is an issue because county Commissioner John Dowlin wants to make sure the team and the county pay equal amounts. Mr. Dowlin is the swing vote between Commissioners Tom Neyer, who likes the settlement, and Todd Portune, who doesn't.

        Six fans sued the county and the team last year, claiming they paid to sit in specific sections of the stadium and were given seats in less expensive areas. That suit now includes all season-ticket holders.

        Questionnaires mailed to 3,300 fans eligible for cash settlements had to be returned with a May 1 postmark. The forms asked if fans wanted to keep their seats and get a refund for the difference in price between the sections, move to a new seat or give up their seats altogether.

        More than 1,100 fans had the option to give up their licenses for a full refund.

        About 2,000 forms were returned as of Tuesday morning, with nearly three-quarters opting to keep their assigned seats and take the difference in cash. Of the fans eligible for a total refund, three out of four wanted to return tickets.

        Mr. Krings said forms could still come in late Tuesday or today with a May 1 postmark.

        Chief assistant county prosecutor Carl Stich will make a presentation to commissioners Monday, explaining how much each party would pay under the proposed settlement. He's going to ask commissioners for an up or down vote.

        Mr. Stich said the dollar amounts won't be exact because some people who want a new seat might not be able to get one. Everyone who gets a new seat adds to the Bengals' cost of the settlement, and subtracts from the county's liability.

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