Five subdivisions targeted in Ross

ROSS TWP. - Five subdivisions in Ross Township have been targeted by Butler County commissioners for special taxing districts to pay for infrastructure improvements.

Commissioners have told Ross Local Schools that they want to negotiate a compensation agreement with the schools for a 30-year, 100 percent tax exemption in those areas.

By law, the school board has 45 days to reach an agreement with the county or veto the plan. The county pledges to give the schools "the same or better" amount of money they would have received without the new "residential incentive districts" in unbuilt portions of Blackstone Estates, Indian Creek Trails, Ross Estates and two sections of Ross Trails.

Commissioners want to pay for infrastructure improvements with anticipated increased tax revenues from higher property values after the subdivisions are completed. Homeowner taxes in the subdivisions won't be affected.

Similar districts are planned by the county for unbuilt subdivisions in Liberty and Fairfield townships, while West Chester Township trustees are creating these special taxing districts for 10 subdivisions.

Seniors to show how fit they are

HAMILTON - Older adults will be showing their physical conditioning Thursday when they walk in the Seniors Making Strides event that begins in the east parking lot of Senior Citizens Inc. at Ross and B streets. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

After the walk, a Fitness Day luncheon, award ceremony and door prize giveaway begins at 11 a.m. in the ballroom. Seniors may also learn health and fitness information by visiting the booths that will be set up in the Garden Room 12:15-12:45 p.m. An ice cream reception follows the health fair. Information: 867-1998.

Medicare benefits to be discussed

MASON - The public can learn more about changes in Medicare at a conference Friday.

"New Benefits in Medicare/ Business Solutions using Health Savings Accounts"runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the community center auditorium, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road. U.S. Rep. Rob Portman and Jackie Garner, regional administrator for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will be discussing the newly enacted Medicare Prescription Drug Modernization and Improvement Act of 2003.