The Enquirer

BATAVIA - Moody's Investors Service last week upgraded Clermont County's bond rating from Aa3 to Aa2, making it easier for the county to get loans at slightly lower interest rates and recognizing its stable financial position and steadily increasing tax base.

Moody's said the county's finances should remain sound despite a slowing of the growth of sales tax revenue. Moody's attributes the financial stability to the county commissioners' commitment to conservative budgeting.

County Administrator David Spinney said the upgraded bond rating means that investors look at Clermont County as a good bet for their money.

Warren Co. considers communication vehicle

LEBANON - Warren County may buy a vehicle similar to the state's mobile emergency communications center.

Emergency Services Director Frank Young showed the vehicle to county commissioners at a recent meeting.

A committee is still investigating how the unit could supplement what the current communications systems provide, Young said.

Money from a Homeland Security grant would cover the cost, which would be several hundred thousand dollars.

The county has already used part of the grant money to buy two rapid response vehicles. The Hazmat team will use one of the SUV-like vehicles. The other is equipped to be a field crisis-control center.

Hearings to discuss business corridor

LOVELAND - A proposed three-phase plan to improve the Loveland-Madeira Road business corridor will be the topic of a public hearing at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at city hall, 120 W. Loveland Ave.

City officials and Lynn Zuck, a planner with Burgess & Niple, will be on hand to review the plan with shop owners and residents, who will be asked for their input.

Phase 1 involves about $136,000 in landscaping for the area from Kroger to West Loveland Avenue, and in front of the city's public works compound farther south.

Phase 2 would cost at least $250,000 over the next five years to reduce curb cuts to businesses, add sidewalks and move trees away from existing power lines. The final phase addresses redevelopment of the corridor in the next 10 to 20 years as properties change hands and new buildings are proposed.

For information on the meeting, contact City Manager Fred Enderle at 683-0150 or visit the city's Web site at www.lovelandoh.com.

Ex-Butler Co. official new deputy auditor

HAMILTON - James "Tony" Parrott, who resigned as Butler County Environmental Services director last month, has returned to the county payroll in the auditor's office.

Parrott, who announced his resignation for personal reasons effective Aug. 2, was hired by Auditor Kay Rogers as a deputy auditor Aug. 26 at a salary of $88,000.

The Fairfield Township resident is assisting with administrative management of the office, personnel matters, communications and special projects, says Randy Groves, chief deputy auditor.

Parrott worked 19 years for Environmental Services, including nine as department head.