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Sue Kiesewetter reports:

Longtime Liberty Township naturalist Chuck Holliday is rejoining the Liberty Township Parks Committee.

“I am so excited,’’ said Trustee Christine Matacic. “I’m thrilled he’s had his (rest and relaxation) and is willing to come back.”

Holliday’s volunteer appointment is effective immediately and runs through Dec. 31, 2014. The committee next meets March 26.

For several years Holliday conducted nature and bird walks along with other programs in township parks. A member of the Audubon Society, Holliday also conducts programs for MetroParks of Butler County.

“What he does for these parks is remarkable,’’ said Trustee David Kern.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, News |

Tags: Tags: Christine Matacic, Chuck Holliday, Chuck Holliday Liberty Township Parks Committee, David Kern, Liberty Township Parks Committee, Liberty Township Trustee Christine Matacic, Liberty Township Trustee David Kern

Cincinnati Enquirer’s Sue Kiesewetter reports:

Expenses in Liberty Township’s 2012 approved budget could exceed revenues by as much as $518,000.

But township officials say they expect that number to decrease.

“Because it’s in the budget doesn’t mean we’ll spend it,’’ said Trustee Pat Hiltman. “We’re going to be real tight for the next 18 months.”

The approved budget includes projected revenues of $19,641,505 and expenses of $20,159,778. Included in that figure is $10.6 million for operations, which is lower than 2011’s estimated operating revenue.

The shortfall between revenue and expenses will come from carryover and reserve funds, said Kristen Bitonte, finance director.

“There’s no guarantee everything in there will be approved,” Bitonte said. “It could be less and that’s the goal.”

Although items are included in the budget trustees approve most large expenditures on a case by case basis after reviewing bids.

No employee layoffs or service reductions are planned for 2012. Instead it will be a year of maintaining existing services and programs. (more…)

Posted in: Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Christine Matacic, Liberty Township Administrator, Liberty Township Administrator Dina Minneci, Liberty Township trustee, Liberty Township Trustee Christine Matacic, Liberty Township Trustee David Kern, Liberty Township Trustee Pat Hiltman, Liberty Township trustees, Pat Hiltman

Below is the full article written by Sue Kiesewetter for the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Trustee Pat Hiltman has one word to describe Liberty Township’s proposed 2012 budget: austere.

“That’s the theme for 2012 – and (it will) carry forward,” Hiltman said.

Total revenues in the 2012 budget are estimated at $19.6 million, which includes $10.6 million for operations – lower than 2011’s estimated operating revenue.

Administrator Dina Minneci said she expects local government dollars from the state to decline in 2012 and be gone by 2013. Those dollars had averaged $650,000 over the past five years.

Projected expenses for 2012 are $20.4 million, about $1 million higher than the 2011 estimated expenses. Contributing to that increase include health insurance increases, a newly established $14,000 payment to the Butler County Emergency Management Agency, contract provisions and large capital expenses including some postponed from this year.

Despite the dismal outlook for 2012, no layoffs or service reductions are planned for the year, said Caroline McKinney, township spokeswoman and economic development director.

“We absolutely have to squeeze every nickel and dime,’’ said trustee David Kern.

Carryover and reserve funds will make up the difference between revenues and expenses.
Trustees are expected to approve a final budget at a special meeting called for 8 a.m. Dec. 30 at administrative offices.

Posted in: Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Emergency Management Agency, Caroline McKinney, Liberty Township Administrator, Liberty Township Administrator Dina Minneci, Liberty Township spokesperson Caroline McKinney, Liberty Township trustee, Liberty Township Trustee David Kern, Liberty Township Trustee Pat Hiltman, Liberty Township trustees, Pat Hiltman