By Tom O'Neill
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SPRINGFIELD TWP. - Timing can be everything when it comes to maximizing the public's millions.

The economic downturn in recent years actually figures to benefit this township, which is moving forward with a $12 million capital improvement plan for a police department expansion, and a new fire station and service department building.

Advertisements for bids on the $2.4 million police department project will go out in the coming weeks, with a contract awarded by mid-March. Work would begin in April, about a month before work is expected to begin on a $5.8 million fire station.

Bottom line is, in construction, it's a buyer's market.

"With interest rates at a 30-year low, it was no-brainer," Township Administrator Mike Hinnenkamp said Thursday.

"Our revenues aren't tied to sales or earnings tax. Property taxes are most of our revenue, so it's less tied to the economy."

In June 2001, the township conducted a "needs assessment" looking 15 to 20 years out. Officials knew they needed a police department renovation and expansion.

The current building opened in 1978, designed to accommodate 25 officers. The department now has 45 officers and seven civilians.

But because the township's revenue stream is more stable than in communities dependent on sales taxes, officials started going further down the priority list.

"There wasn't anything we couldn't do," Mr. Hinnenkamp said. "These three were absolutely necessary."

Last June, trustees sold $12 million in bonds to finance the projects. The bond wasn't tied to a ballot levy. Instead, officials simply took advantage of interest rates that the Fed lowered to stimulate the economy.

The new two-story fire station will be connected to the township administration building.

It will replace the decades-old brick fire house on Winton Road, just north of Ronald Reagan Highway. Mr. Hinnenkamp said the building would likely be sold to a business developer who will raze it and build anew.

The most valuable part of the property is the land under it, something developers have known for years.

E-mail toneill@enquirer.com