“There is stabilization in certain pockets of Butler County. Farmland is holding its values, West Chester and other suburbs are stabilizing. But urban areas are suffering,” Butler County Chief Deputy Auditor Michael Tilton said.
Tilton and Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds held their fourth town hall meeting at Middletown Senior Center, 3907 Central Ave., where they also provided a grim view of the county’s finances due to the economic downtown and massive government spending.
Reynolds said the county is currently in debt by more than $243 million.
He also projected county 2010 revenues of $80 million and expenditures of nearly $84 million.
“We’re going to have to slow down the spending because this is unsustainable. If this trend continues we’re going to go broke in ‘11,” Reynolds said. “Something’s got to give. (Expenditures) have to go down or (revenues) have to go up.”
Reynolds said there is hope, however, due to recent cuts and economic development in the area.
He said the area is a prime location for businesses and growth due to the county’s location along Interstate 75 as well as recent development by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center along the Liberty Way interchange.
“When the economy turns we’re set for a robust turn in Butler County,” Reynolds said.
The county auditor’s office final town hall will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at Lakota East Freshman School, 7630 Bethany Lane, Liberty Twp.