By Cindy Schroeder
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LAKESIDE PARK - For the second time in four months, a Lakeside Park official has asked a Kenton County neighbor to explore a possible merger.

Merger supporters in Lakeside Park have said it could offer residents more services for less money but opponents fear it could turn much of residential Lakeside Park into a commercial corridor.

Lakeside Park Mayor Karen Gamel and Fort Mitchell Mayor Tom Holocher met Monday to discuss possibly studying a merger. After exchanging information on tax rates and services, Gamel agreed to check with her city council at its April 12 meeting to see if there is a consensus to pursue merger talks.

Earlier this month, long-time Lakeside Park resident Lynda Bramlage suggested that Fort Mitchell might be interested in discussing a merger after Crestview Hills rejected it. Lakeside Park City Council members also suggested checking with Fort Mitchell, Gamel said.

"I'm sure it would be very unfair of me if I didn't at least sit down with Tom Holocher and look at all the facts and figures,'' Gamel said Monday.

As the smaller city, Lakeside Park must approve a merger study before Fort Mitchell decides whether to pursue it, Holocher said. "If we initiate (merger talks) it's kind of like Goliath taking over David,'' he said.

Fort Mitchell has a population of 8,089; Lakeside Park's is 2,869. Lakeside Park is virtually all residential, with a couple of businesses, while Fort Mitchell has several large businesses, including the Drawbridge Inn, Paul Hemmer Cos., and the Drees Company.

Holocher said property tax rates are "reasonably similar.'' Fort Mitchell's is $2.15 per $1,000 assessed valuation while Lakeside Park's is $2.30 per $1,000. Fort Mitchell's insurance premium rate is 7 percent; Lakeside Park's is 8 percent..

Also, Lakeside Park has a tangible property tax on autos and Fort Mitchell doesn't. Meanwhile, Fort Mitchell has park and road taxes, unlike Lakeside Park, Holocher said.

Crestview Hills City Council rejected a merger study by a vote of 5-1 Jan. 26, two weeks after Lakeside Park narrowly approved a study. Several Crestview Hills Council members said the benefits did not outweigh the disadvantages.

Fast facts

As the smaller city, Lakeside Park must approve a merger study before Fort Mitchell decides whether to pursue it. Fort Mitchell has a population of 8,089; Lakeside Park's is 2,869.

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E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com