By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

GREEN TOWNSHIP - Trustees are expected to appoint 12 residents Monday to a committee that will review township finances.

The committee will examine expenses going back five years and look at present staffing costs, departmental spending, ways to increase revenue and areas where money can be saved. The committee will have about three months to complete its assessment and make recommendations to trustees.

The township has faced financial problems in recent years, largely because of cuts in state funds. The Green Township Fire Department recently had to reduce staffing because of funding reductions.

"We have a difficult time doing our job because of it," said Fire Chief Robert Weitzel.

The three township trustees and the clerk will each appoint three people to the committee. So far, eight residents have been identified, said township Administrator Kevin Celerak.

"The general fund is going to be very tight," Celerak said in explaining the reasons behind forming the committee. "The state has cut back funds that come to cities and townships such as estate taxes and inventory taxes. That is a big source for our general fund."

Township officials have discussed the possibility of a property tax levy this year. Celerak said Green Township has not had an additional tax levy in 10 years and the ones in place now are insufficient to meet the township's needs.

"It's a bit premature to talk about a levy right now," Celerak said.

E-mail kaldridge@enquirer.com