By Janice Morse
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MONROE - A new management company is taking over a troubled apartment complex here, attempting to address multiple health and safety issues.

A bank is transferring management of the Monroe Terrace and Old Street Terrace apartments from Exeter Management of Phoenix to Flagel Realty Inc., which has offices in nearby Centerville.

Acting City Manager William Brock said, "It looks like they're going to be cooperative" and work to fix the multiple alleged problems at the apartments, ranging from backed-up sewers to unpaid water bills. City officials have threatened to discontinue water service next Thursday unless at least $14,000 is paid.

Brock said he might know more today about whether officials feel compelled to take that step.

"Obviously, we have an outstanding bill that we'd like to get paid," Brock said. "Our hope is that we can work something out so we don't have to shut the water off."

Meanwhile, officials from the Butler County Health Department and the city fire department were continuing to inspect the apartments.

Brock on Thursday said he had not yet seen updated inspection reports, so he did not know whether any new, significant problems had been documented.

E-mail jmorse@enquirer.com