By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Leaders here plan to ask the courts for permission to use tax increment financing to pay for a $3 million renovation for the 121-year-old Muhlhauser Barn.

West Chester officials want to borrow the money to turn the barn into a community conference center at Beckett Park. The barn also would serve as a recreation center until the proposed $32 million one can be built.

But to pay off the barn debt, they are hoping to use property revenues from tax increment-financing districts along Union Centre Boulevard and Ohio 747.

"A facility which allows for the meeting of several hundred people is an attribute to the businesses in the area," Trustee Catherine Stoker said. "They have an extremely limited resource for gatherings outside their office environment."

Tax increment financing is one of the few revenue sources available that is adequate to do the job without negatively impacting other services, Ms. Stoker said.

The township, however, needs a judge to approve the deal. Tax increment funds typically are used for infrastructure such as roads.

To use tax increment financing for park improvements and recreational enhancements, township officials must file a bond validation suit with the Butler County Court of Common Pleas.

Other areas such as Sycamore Township have been permitted to use tax increment financing for community centers, according to a Nov. 4 letter to trustees from a Fairfax consulting firm the township plans to hire to write a study it can use in court.

The Muhlhauser Barn will be moved, possibly early next year. The Muhlhauser family has pledged $40,000 to move the building for the township.

The renovated barn should support itself with rent revenues, trustees said.

Trustees are expected to vote on the issue - and spending $6,500 to hire the consultants - Dec. 3.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.