By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Residents here will be asked to open their wallets to help efforts to solve flooding problems.

This fall, West Chester residents living in some older neighborhoods on the east side repeatedly complained of flooding.

So, as Butler County officials plan to start assessing many homeowners $13 a year to help pay for a new federally mandated storm water program, township officials are considering asking the county to tax West Chester residents an additional $12 to take care of storm water and flooding issues.

Trustees stress that the $12 figure it just preliminary and is subject to change as the township continues studying and gains a better understanding of how widespread the flooding and potential flooding problems are.

They blame the flooding on older neighborhoods not built up to modern codes and aging storm water control systems such as outdated and failing culverts.

"The cost of repairing and replacing the currently known failed culverts and other storm water systems appears to be far beyond the financial resources of either the township or the county," Trustee Catherine Stoker said.

As it's being discussed now, the new tax, if imposed, only would pay for repairs and maintenance in public rights of way. Residents now are responsible for repairing and/or maintaining culverts on their own property.

Stoker requested Tuesday, however, that township officials consider whether the more expensive repairs on private property could be funded through the assessment.

Renee Kass says she "worries sick" every time it rains. Her Bluebird Drive home has flooded three times in the past five years, most recently on Sept. 4.

"If we have to get it taken care of, I would rather the cost be divided out rather than all put on me," said Renee Kass, 37. "My biggest fear is getting stuck with this huge bill I can't afford because I've been wiped out with the flooding."

In other township business Tuesday, trustees tentatively agreed on a draft policy restricting storage of items on township property.

The issue came up last month after The Enquirer reported that Trustee Dave Tacosik and Administrator Dave Gully were storing their sailboats for free on township property. Tacosik also was storing his RV at the police impound lot. Both men have since moved their items.

Under the new policy, township employees cannot use township property for private purpose.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.