By John Kiesewetter
Enquirer staff writer

HAMILTON - The independent candidate for Butler County commissioner Tuesday accused commissioners of draining most of the county's reserve fund.

J. Michael Best of Fairfield, a Republican challenging incumbent Michael A. Fox in the November election, said the county's reserve fund was down to $3 million, from $12.5 million a year ago.

County Administrator Derek Conklin denied that the county's cash reserves were in trouble. The county started the year with a $10 million reserve, and will end the year with about that amount, he said.

"Financially, the county is in solid shape," he said.

Further, Commission President Chuck Furmon said Moody's Investment Services in New York upgraded the county's bond rating last month.

Best also charged that Fox rented an adult movie while on a county trip to Washington state a year ago.

Best, who also is running against Democrat Catherine Stoker for commissioner, provided a hotel bill from March 11-13, 2003, showing a $12.99 movie charge for Fox's room on a county trip.

Best said the only in-room movies sold for $12.99 are adult films.

After the meeting, Fox refused to discuss the hotel bill.

"Before you eat what he's feeding you, you'd better check your facts," Fox said.

Best said he has been unable to determine the movie title.

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E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com