By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MIDDLETOWN - City officials are stinging after Warren County commissioners balked at their request for $5 million to relocate Middletown Regional Hospital.

Middletown Mayor David Schiavone says Warren County commissioners indicated last year they would help out with funding if Middletown brought the hospital to Warren County at a location off Interstate 75 at Ohio 122.

"We are disappointed they have taken that stance at this point. We were lead to believe they were going to be a partner in this," Schiavone said.

"We hadn't asked Warren County for a set amount, but they knew what amount of money would be needed to accomplish these goals. Now it's time to start coming across with the money, and that's where we are. They knew ahead of time there was money involved."

The hospital has been in the center of Middletown for 86 years, in Butler County. Now, because the hospital needs to undergo a major expansion, it plans to move in 2008 to a location three miles east.

Commissioners Larry Crisenbery and Mike Kilburn last week discussed but didn't vote on Middletown's request for $1.3 million for the first two phases of the infrastructure project on Union Road near Ohio 122.

The topic could come up again at the commissioners meeting Thursday.

Middletown's request is part of the $5 million the county is asked to give over the next five years toward a $49 million project that includes a highway interchange improvement.

While Crisenbery was undecided about the matter and said he may go for a smaller amount, Kilburn was adamant the county should not give anything.

Commissioner Pat South was not at last week's meeting, but said she would be willing to bond the improvements. And, she says, county officials did indicate they would help.

"We did make a commitment to provide some support for Middletown Regional Hospital ... if they would locate to 122," South said. "I was under the impression that Larry was willing to commit financial support for the project, too. I have heard Mike mention that he was willing to give something."

Kilburn scoffs at South's suggestion that the money be bonded. He also says he didn't recall pledging to help - and even if he did, he can change his mind.

"(Schiavone) can whine all he wants to," Kilburn said. "We're not bonding nothing. ... We're in the business of saving money, not spending it, especially not for something that's not in our jurisdiction."

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E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com