Butler negotiates deal for financial software

HAMILTON - Butler County commissioners have revised payments for financial and accounting computer software because of the county's budget crunch.

To avoid an unbudgeted expense of $262,797 this year, the county has negotiated a $28,968 payment with Oracle Financial Software in the first year of a six-year contract, says Tim Williams, county finance director and assistant county administrator.

Commissioners approved the six-year, $556,373 licensing and software maintenance agreement Thursday. Oracle had wanted $756,240 over six years, he said.

Williams said sales tax receipts continue to lag behind projections for the county's $75 million budget. The county is on pace to fall $290,000 short of anticipated revenues this year.

Recyclers seeking phones, computers

HAMILTON - Don't throw away that cell phone; recycle it.

Anything from cell phones to stoves and computers to propane canisters can be recycled from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Butler County's annual household hazardous waste and appliance/computer collection at the Butler County Fairgrounds, 1715 Fairgrove Ave.

Volunteers also will accept refrigerators, washers, dryers, water heaters, batteries, paint, pesticides, propane tanks and outdated prescription pills (but not liquid medication), says Shannon Gillespie, publicist for the Butler County Department of Environmental Services.

Medicare reform information offered

LEBANON - Seniors can learn about the new Medicare reforms and prescription drug benefits at a meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Michael R. Turner, R-Dayton, Thursday at Otterbein Retirement Living Community. During the meeting, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Campus Center at 585 N. Ohio 741, representatives from the state, the Center for Medicare Services and other agencies will present information and answer questions.

In the afternoon, the annual Otterbein Health and Wellness Fair will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. The event includes more than 30 screenings and demonstrations.

Call (513) 933-5473 for information or to register.

Warren Co. limiting Shaker Run homes

LEBANON - Warren County commissioners, who are trying to limit growth, are allowing only 150 homes during the first two years of constructionat the Shaker Run housing development in Turtlecreek Township.

That was one of 33 conditions that came with commissioners' approval Thursday of plans to build 975 single-family homes off the south side of Greentree Road.

The homes are part of the plan for about 300 acres that surround the Shaker Run Golf Course. The subdivision, to be built over 13 to 15 years, will eventually include golf holes, a clubhouse and more than 100 multifamily units.