The Enquirer

HAMILTON - Butler County commissioners took the first steps Monday to place a new 1-mill tax levy on the November ballot for the Butler County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

Commissioners asked the county auditor how much money would be generated by the levy.

Jim Mueller, executive director, has said the new levy would raise about $7.1 million based on current property valuations.

The board collects the final revenues this year on two half-mill levies that expired last year. The combined levies - based on 1976 and 1984 property valuations - generate about $3.4 million, he said.

The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $30.62 a year for the tax.

City Council postpones vote on Lunken noise

Cincinnati City Council won't vote Wednesday on recommendations from a two-year noise study of Lunken Airport.

The delay is necessary so city officials can finish compiling public comments on it, said Eileen Enabnit, director of the city's department of transportation and engineering, which oversees the 1,000-acre airport.

Council now is expected to vote on it Aug. 4, after returning from a recess during July, she said.

The $250,000 study, primarily funded by the Federal Aviation Administration, examines noise at and around the airport.

Warren Co. cancels Deerfield boil order

DEERFIELD TWP. - A boil-water order that's been in effect for parts of Socialville-Fosters Road since last week has been canceled.

The Warren County Water and Sewer Department had issued the advisory Thursday after making improvements in the area.

Testing shows that the water is safe to drink, and so boiling is no longer necessary.

West Chester land use comments welcome

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Residents can help shape the growth of the township by commenting on the proposed West Chester Township Land Use Committee report today.

For 26 months, a seven-person committee has been updating the 1998 land-use map, which recommends how property should be used.

Trustees and the zoning board refer to the report when considering zone changes, said Brian Elliff, planning and zoning director.

Land Use Committee members will explain the proposed changes at a 6:30 p.m. public hearing today in the Township Hall, 9100 Centre Point Drive. Another hearing is scheduled during the trustees meeting at 7 p.m. on July 27, he said.