To be excluded from receiving future opt-out notices for electric aggregation, customers may register with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to be placed on the "do not aggregate" list. There is no similar list for natural gas aggregation.

If the customer's Duke Energy account number changes, the customer must update their request with PUCO. If a customer has multiple accounts, each account must be registered separately with PUCO. If a customer moves, even within the same utility service territory, the customer must re-register to remain on the "do not aggregate" list.

Three options are available to register with the PUCO on the "do not aggregate" list for electric aggregation.

• Complete and submit the online electronic form.
• Download and complete the printable PDF form and mail or fax it to:
  The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
  Attn: TeleText Services Division
  180 East Broad Street
  Columbus, OH 43215
  Fax: (614) 466-0313 
• Call the PUCO toll-free at (800) 686-PUCO (7826). Provide your name, service address and the customer account or identification number located on the utility bill.

In order to obtain street lighting within a specific neighborhood, property owners may petition the local government to establish a lighting district.  If a majority of the affected property owners agree with the terms, which includes property assessments to cover the costs of the street lights,  a public hearing for the lighting district is conducted by the Board of Trustees to gain input from all affected and then the lighting district can be approved.

No, there are some instances in which neighborhood street lighting is administrated and funded by a home owners association (HOA).

In the case of some limited general street lighting, there is also no assessment.

In most cases, the lighting district is requested by a developer who pays for the infrastructure cost. In these cases, only the cost of energy is assessed and billed to property owners in the district.

It is possible for a neighborhood to request lighting after the initial development. In these cases, the infrastructure cost would also be assessed in a manner agreed upon with Duke Energy, typically financed over a 10- to 20-year period.

Also, there could be an upgrade or retrofit to modernize existing infrastructure.  A payback period would be determined based on project details and negotiated with Duke Energy.

There are many types pf Special Assessments.  The Butler County Auditor has a thorough list of the various assessments.

SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

How is the annual assessment determined?

West Chester is billed monthly for the energy.  West Chester pays the energy bills from July to June, aggregates the totals and then adds a 10% admin fee per district.  For residential districts, all property owners in a district are assessed equal amounts.

A 3-percent bed tax is charged to visitors staying in our local hotels. West Chester collects approximately $1 million each year from local hotels.

Hotels self report and send payment directly to West Chester Township. FORM FOR SELF-REPORTING

An encumbrance is the actual assignment of a dollar amount to a very specific purchase. There are very strict controls on the expenditure of funds ensuring expenditures remain within budget. Pursuant to House Bill 500 revised ORC 507.11, the Board of Trustees has established a hierarchy for approval of any expenditure made using Township funds.

• Department directors are given authority to approve purchase orders for purchases of $5,000 or less.
• The Township Administrator can authorize purchase orders for purchases of $7,500 or less.
• The Board of Trustees must consider the merits of expenditures/encumbrances greater than $7,500 in a public forum.

Permanent Appropriations are presented to the Board of Trustees in the first quarter of the year for formal action. Permanent Appropriations are a function of the Township's capacity to incur expenses. Appropriations is a combination of the Township's carryover as determined at year-end, plus the estimated resources as certified by the Butler County Budget Commission and submitted in July of the previous year.

Permanent Appropriations will be amended periodically throughout the year by Resolution (requiring Board of Trustees action)

The Township Administration presents a proposed annual operational budget to the Board of Trustees each January for consideration. This operational budget proposal is based upon input from all Township departments and includes revenue predictions based upon multiple variables, including the market and industry standards. The operational budget represents activities from 10 funds - General Fund, four separate Roads Funds, Cemetery Fund, West Chester Community Television Fund, Police Fund, Fire and EMS Funds.

The operational budget does not include previous year carryover as part of revenue, nor does it include Tax Increment Financing Funds, Project Funds, Debt Service Funds, State Grant Funds and Federal Grant Funds. 

The operational budget is a demonstration of budget priorities and requires no formal action by the Board of Trustees. The operational budget does not represent individual expenditures or encumbrances, but rather is a detailed illustration of expected expenditures by account code assigned to specific budget priorities which are set by the Board of Trustees.

The operational budget is limited by the Permanent Appropriations which is a function of the previous year's tax budget.

Ohio Checkbook allows public entities to display its expenditures through the State Treasurer's website. West Chester Township partnered with OpenGov to create the Township’s more comprehensive DIG (Data Informed Government) portal. DIG provides users the opportunity to view Township expenditures and revenues. West Chester's expenses, however, are also available through the State Treasurer's Ohio Checkbook.

Your property is an important investment and improvements add value for you and affect the look of your neighborhood. Because outdoor changes to your property - fences, decks, sheds, swimming pools, small water features, etc. - can affect your neighbors, property owners are typically required to seek a permit. More information.

Whenever digging on your property, law requires that property owners call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) at 8-1-1 or (800) 362-2764. It is required that at least 48 hours notice, but no more than 10 days, be given so underground utilities can be marked. There is also an online notification process with OUPS. 

West Chester Township does not trap or manage wildlife populations on private property. West Chester Community Services Department only employs wildlife management strategies as it relates to geese on public property.

West Chester is rich in wildlife including raccoons, beaver and coyote which can sometimes become overly familiar and visible in our neighborhoods. Residents are provided with helpful suggestions regarding wildlife management on this website.

West Chester police should be contacted - 911 in an emergency or (513) 777-2231 - if a wild animal appears injured or sick.

West Chester does not have its own animal warden.

If a neighborhood pet is causing a disruption, police encourage neighbors to work together first to find a solution. Dogs barking will fall under the Township's Barking Dog Ordinance, Resolution No. 91-20.  This ordinance states, no person shall keep or harbor any dog within West Chester Township which by frequent and habitual barking, howling or yelping, creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises of such a character, intensity and duration as to disturb the peace and quiet of any person in the Township.  Any person who allows any dog habitually to remain or be lodged or fed within any dwelling, building, yard or enclosure, which said person owns or occupied shall be considered to be harboring such dog.  Whoever violates this resolution is guilty of a minor misdemeanor subject to the penalty provided in Ohio Revised Code Section 955.99 (I).

Stray animals should be reported to the 24-hour non-emergency police numbers (513) 777-2231 and contact will be made with the Butler County Animal Warden.

West Chester Township receives no financial benefit by offering the aggregation program or by reaching enrollment goals. All savings are passed along to the customers of the aggregation program.

Neither West Chester Township nor its broker can stop natural gas or electric suppliers from soliciting independently for your business by mail or telephone.

Duke Energy Ohio owns and maintains the systems that deliver natural gas and electricity to West Chester residents. Residents who participate in the aggregation program will still receive a single bill - from Duke Energy Ohio and can still participate in electronic bill pay and budget billing. Power outages, etc. should still be reported to Duke Energy Ohio, (800) 634-4300).

Duke Energy Ohio will acknowledge aggregation enrollment and send a confirmation letter reminding the customer of the pending switch. That letter will indicate the customer can change their decision to participate in the aggregation by contacting Duke within seven days. Again, aggregation customers can opt out of the program at ANY time without penalty by calling the respective suppliers for electric and natural gas. Ohio law requires that aggregation suppliers refresh opt-out notices every 2 or 3 years depending on the service.

OHIO EPA, DIVISION OF MATERIALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

New residents to the community will not be automatically enrolled in the aggregation program. New residents will receive standard Duke/PUCO rates for gas and electric, or they can phone the numbers provided to be enrolled in the Township aggregation programs. During contract renewal periods, all eligible customers including new residents will receive information regarding the new program rates and the opportunity to "opt out." If residents do not "opt out" at that time, they will be enrolled in the aggregation program.

If the traffic issue requires immediate police attention, please contact West Chester Communications at (513) 777-2231. If your concern involves speeding in the neighborhood, repeated stop sign violations, sight distance and obstructions, or other common concerns, contact the Traffic Safety Unit.

If this is an emergency and immediate attention is needed, please call 911.

Otherwise, please contact the West Chester Police Department Crime Tip Line at (513) 759-7272 or by email message. 

The West Chester Police Department provides fingerprinting services free of charge, by appointment only, to residents of our community and to those who work at West Chester Township businesses. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the Central Records Section at (513) 759-7261. Please bring fingerprint card(s) with all information completed (black ink only) and photo identification to your appointment.  For electronic fingerprints, contact the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Central Records Unit at (513) 785-1030 for more information.

Noise control in West Chester applies to residential neighborhoods and commercial business areas. Unreasonable or loud noise is prohibited under the Township’s Noise Ordnance, Resolution No. 2000-30. This ordinance establishes definitions for types of sound generating or amplifying devices, maximum decibel limits, hours of enforcement and exemptions. Whoever violates this resolution is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and is subject to the penalty of civil fines ranging in amount from $100 to $1,000. To inquire about or report a noise ordinance violation, contact West Chester Police online or call the non-emergency number (513) 777-2231.

Photocopies up to 25 pages will be provided free of charge. If the requested report is larger than 25 pages the fee for each photocopy is 5 cents beginning with the first photocopy. The charge for two-sided photocopies is 10 cents per sheet.

Yes, we can send reports by email, fax, regular mail, or they may be picked up in person at the West Chester Police Department Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Please contact West Chester's billing company for EMS at (800) 676-0111 or (866) 631-2658. If your question is not addressed, please call the West Chester Fire Department at (513) 777-1133.

West Chester Township residents will not be responsible for out-of-pocket costs associated with EMS service provide by the West Chester Fire Department. Transport and material costs for your care will be billed to your private insurance provider, but residents will not have any further charge. Non-residents will receive a bill for the remaining balance due after insurance. West Chester residents may receive a statement from a third-party billing company, Change Healthcare, but this is not a bill and DOES NOT require payment.

Please access the following link:  http://westchester.enrollware.com/schedule . If you are a business and wish to schedule a class, call (513) 777-1133 for more information.

Showing off West Chester's fire stations and equipment is one of our favorite things to do! Tours of West Chester Township's fire stations can be scheduled for groups by calling (513) 777-1133 or contacting Felicia Tibbs .

Very few open burn fires meet the requirements of the EPA. Open burning is permitted as a recreational fire (cooking, warmth, looks, etc.). These fires are permitted as long as the fire remains no larger than 2 ft. x 3 ft. high and CLEAN, SEASONED FIREWOOD is being used.  You are NOT permitted to use this fire to burn yard waste or garbage.  If the West Chester Fire Department receives a complaint on any type of open burn, you will be required to extinguish the fire.  For further information watch this brief video, or contact West Chester Fire Department at (513) 777-1133 or Captain Scott Brooks.

If you find a fire hydrant that is leaking or damaged, contact the West Chester Fire Department at (513) 777-1133.  Repairs may be made by the West Chester Fire Department or the Butler County Water Department.

Current openings are posted to the West Chester Jobs Portal as they become available. Career employment applications will only be available during specific job posting periods for those positions.  Minimum certification level for career employees is Firefighter Level II and Paramedic.  For additional information, visit West Chester's Human Resources page or contact the West Chester Fire Department at (513) 777-1133.

The West Chester Roads Division, Butler County Engineer’s Office and the Ohio Department of Transportation share responsibility for maintenance of signals and signs. Let West Chester know by using our message form.

If there is damage or an obstruction in a public roadway that might pose a hazard to motorists, please contact the Maintenance Division (513) 777-8765 during regular hours of operation or non-emergency communications at (513) 777-2231 during evening or weekends. You can also submit a Service Request. We can remove anything that is in the public right-of-way. Problems on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

Road resurfacing is based on evaluation of road conditions, planning and budget allocations for the entire Township. To check the status of a planned project or suggest a road be considered in the future, please contact the Maintenance Division (513) 777-8765 or submit a Service Request.

The Township asks residents to obtain a permit from the Butler County Engineer’s Office for any work in the public right-of-way. The permitting process is intended to protect the property owners from making costly mistakes that could affect their property and their neighbors.  For more information.

West Chester Township is responsible for maintaining the road right-of-way. Contact the Maintenance Division (513) 777-8765, for problems with ditches and storm drains in the right-of-way. Problems on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

Sidewalks are not in the public right-of-way. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the property owner to keep the sidewalk in safe condition. 

West Chester Maintenance Division monitors weather forecast throughout the winter and has all trucks loaded and prepared should bad weather move into our area. West Chester has a 24-hour automated calling system that contacts all road crew members when conditions require attention and they report to work. Brine, salt and/or calcium is applied to all Township streets and given time to take affect before plowing. Therefore, even though you may see snow accumulating on your street, there is product working below that aids in the removal of snow. Crews remain on duty until all Township roads are treated. Note that cul-de-sacs and some less traveled streets will be serviced as soon as all Township main and collector roads are cleared. Please consider this information before contacting the Maintenance Division using Service Request. For more information watch this brief video.

For a resident this can be annoying, but unfortunately it cannot be helped. The snow must, at minimum, be removed from the traveled portion of the road, but our plow drivers are requested to plow curb to curb wherever possible. When the Township receives a heavy snowfall, if possible, do not shovel your driveway until after the plow has gone by. If you must shovel, do not throw the snow out onto the roadway as you may create a hazard for another vehicle, and if an accident were to occur you might be held liable.

Please contact the Maintenance Division (513) 777-8765 or submit a Service Request. Please note that there are also private contractors and citizens who drive around with plows on their vehicles. All Township vehicles are clearly marked with the Township name and vehicle number.

New business signage and re-facing an existing business sign require a permit. Advertising signs such as those promoting sales, hiring, grand openings, etc. require a temporary signage permit. Construction signs also require a permit. More information about sign permits can be found here.

Property owners must apply for a permit before they build or replace a fence, deck, shed, home addition, basement finishes, and etc. The permitting process is free, simple and helps ensure the homeowner’s or contractor’s work meets building standards and codes. Apply for permits online at www.WestChesterOH.org/Permits. It is best to call Community Development staff if uncertain, (513) 777-4214.

Each request requires a specific quantity of plans.

The Butler County Building Department does require permits for these types of projects to protect the property owner and ensure work is completed correctly and safely. Please call (513) 887-3205.

Home-based businesses do require a Zoning Permit. Please reference Guidelines for Permit Submissions. 

An application must be submitted with the required number of site plans and construction drawings. Turnaround time is approximately 5 - 7 business days. 

There are no township or county regulations that govern drainage issues.  Drainage problems between neighbors are generally considered a civil issue. If a public drainage easement is involved in this dispute, please contact your Homeowners Association (if applicable) or the Butler County Engineer’s Office at (513) 867-5744.

For all other drainage disputes, the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District offers free technical assistance for property owners regarding storm drainage improvements and / or maintenance. Please keep in mind, the Soil and Water Conservation district can provide guidance only; they are not a regulatory agency. Their number is (513) 887-3720.

West Chester receives a portion of the Motor Vehicle License Tax and the Gasoline Tax. These taxes are assessed by the State of Ohio and then are distributed to the local communities. Residents are encouraged to list West Chester Township as their community of residency when applying for motor vehicle licenses in order to ensure these revenues are directed appropriately.

If at all possible, please update your information in ADP prior to closing the account.

If your account was closed and ADP not updated prior to the payroll run, please update ADP as soon as possible. Please also notify your department’s payroll representative who will contact Human Resources. Once the Township confirms that the funds did not deposit to your closed account, the payment will be reissued.

Employees are able to set up a variety of accounts (checking, savings, etc.). These accounts can be with one or multiple financial institutions.

To change information on a current account or add a new account, please log onto workforcenow.adp.com  and select Myself > Pay > Payment Options.

If you add a new account, the new account will go through the pre-note process and a paper check will likely be received on the pay date following the change request.

If you are only changing the amount of the direct deposit, the change will go into effect with the next pay; there should be no interruption to your direct deposit.

Payroll changes must be made in ADP by no later than the last day of the pay period.

Requests to cash out accrued leave must be received by Human Resources by the Friday before the pay period ends.

West Chester is not permitted to provide payroll tax advice. Please contact a tax professional to assist with any questions.

Yes. Please DO NOT use spaces directly in front of the main entrance if you plan to leave a vehicle. Guests leaving vehicles are asked to please include a note on the driver’s side dashboard with contact information in case of an emergency.

Yes. Use of the outdoor Moerlein Gazebo at Beckett Park comes with rental of the barn. Please remember tables and chairs included with your reservation must stay under the barn roof and may NOT go outside.

Yes - with some exceptions. Renters may not attach any fixtures, change, alter or make additions to the walls, doors, beams, windows, floors or ceilings of the rented facility. Most of the hand-hewn wooden beams are original to the 1881 barn and we’d like to keep them as nice as possible. Candles may be used if they are enclosed within a holder made of non-flammable materials.

Restricted items: No smoke effects, fog machines, explosives, sky lantern fire balloons, or pyrotechnics are allowed in or around the facility. Balloons, rice and confetti are prohibited; please use birdseed outside.

No. In order to access the facility early or stay late, renters must reserve an extra date (only available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for private events).  No cleaning crew will enter the facility between your consecutive rental dates.

In order to have access to the facility early, renters must reserve an extra date (only available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays). Events must be kept to the reserved date(s) and rental hours.

Yes. Barn showings are by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled on days when the barn is not already booked – typically Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule.

Consider visiting Muhlhauser Barn in the off season at one of our planned Open House dates (announced in late November) or during the West Chester Market winter season on select Saturdays.

An interactive 3-D virtual barn tour is also available.

No. All food to be used at the Muhlhauser Barn must be prepared off site with the exception of outside grilling in designated areas. The Muhlhauser Barn kitchenette is to be used for staging, plating and organization only. Hot water or ice should not be disposed of on lawn areas.

Grills are only permitted on the concrete circle at the top of drive. Grease drippings from grills must be collected and disposed of in a sealed container. Grills are not provided. 

No. Renters should bring what they need to host their event except tables and chairs, which are provided for indoor use only. Renters may bring additional tables and chairs. All items brought into the facility must be removed by the renter by midnight of the final date of your reservation.

No. The Muhlhauser Barn is neither heated nor air conditioned. West Chester Township cannot guarantee the temperature of the facility. Ceiling fans and the gas fireplace are intended for aesthetics only and should not be considered temperature control. Renters may use additional fans, portable air-conditioning units (not venting to the outdoors) or electric heaters.

Yes. Reliability may vary.

Refund requests must be made in writing. Email is acceptable; send to mdexter@westchesteroh.org. If mailing refund requests, the date of postmark indicates refund to be given.

Mail to:

West Chester Township
c/o Muhlhauser Barn
9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road
West Chester, OH 45069

Refunds are issued monthly and will be processed in the following manner:

• $100 of deposit is non-refundable
• 90 days or more prior to event – Full refund of fees paid, minus $100
• Less than 90 days prior to event – 50% refund of fees paid, minus $100

All facilities are smoke free. Please, no smoking on the deck or within 50 feet of any entrance or exit door.

No. The barn is available for events of all kinds with a few exceptions.

Games of chance may not be operated in the facility. Renters may not solicit funds for private gain. Renters are not permitted to solicit any individuals or groups using the facility other than members of their own party. Renters may not charge admission to activities except for the benefit of a charity and when prior written approval is received from the Township.

No. Renters pick up a barn key at the Administration Building, 9113 Cincinnati Dayton Road, on the business day before their event and must return the key the business day after. Access is available to renters between 8 a.m. and midnight on the agreed upon date(s) only. A cleaning crew arrives at midnight and works through the early morning hours to prepare the space for the next event.

West Chester Township staff will have access to any rented space during the rental period provided the activities of West Chester Township personnel do not unreasonably interfere with the authorized activities of the renters.

No. The barn includes men’s and women’s restrooms. Keep in mind there are no accessible electrical outlets in either restroom.

The rental fee is $2,000 per day for weekends/holidays, which are considered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (10:00 a.m. - midnight). No rental on weekdays (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays).

Rental rates include a post event cleaning service.

Renters must leave the facility clean and free of trash and hazardous materials. This includes trash, decorations, leftover food and drink, etc. A dumpster and recycling center is available on-site for your convenience. Please clean up any major messes created during your event.

Any area not left in proper order and repair will be cleaned and repaired by West Chester Township staff as necessary, and the renter agrees to be billed and shall be liable for any and all costs.

Renters DO NOT need to tear down tables and chairs, and by-and-large DO NOT need to mop, sweep, or wipe down surfaces. Renters may wish to bring a small kit of cleaning supplies in case a need arises.

Review our Reminders for Renters for more information. 

Non-profit organizations should fill out a Community Event Application if interested in hosting an event at Muhlhauser Barn.  

A payment of 50% of your rental fees is required to confirm reservation of your event date, of which $100 is non-refundable. The remaining balance of your payment is due 90 days prior to your event. A credit card number will be held as payment for potential damage suffered by the barn during your rental period or failure to meet the obligations for post-rental cleaning. Renters will be notified in advance of any resulting additional charges.

A completed Rental Use Agreement application and a 50% deposit are required at time of reservation. The reservation is considered binding when West Chester Township has issued a rental permit/agreement and the renter has paid a 50% deposit.

The West Chester Township facilities are NOT licensed premises with the State of Ohio. Therefore, all alcoholic beverages sold on the premises must be purchased from a licensed catering service. Alcoholic beverages ARE RESTRICTED TO THE MUHLHAUSER BARN AND DECK. ALCOHOL IS NOT PERMITTED ELSEWHERE IN THE PARK. It is the renter's responsibility to be informed and familiar with state laws (which can be found online) and to inform their guests of the rules and regulations. West Chester Township staff and West Chester Township Police Department reserve the right to control any and all alcohol consumption. All alcoholic beverage service will end 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

The Muhlhauser Barn and Moerlein Gazebo are available for rent on dates between April 1 and November 15 of each calendar year. Please check the Muhlhauser Barn calendar or contact us to check availability. The facility closes to renters in winter and water service is shut off because the barn is not heated.

A percentage breakdown of one West Chester tax dollar illustrates where taxpayer money goes.

Lakota Local School District - 56.99%

Lakota Schools receives about 50% of your tax dollar for general operations of the school district. There is also a Lakota Bond issue (4%) and Capital Improvement levy (3%) collected by Lakota.

*There is a small number of West Chester Township residents who live in the Princeton City School District or the Mason City School District. The amount will vary for them.

West Chester Township - 25.66%

West Chester Township receives about 26% of your tax dollar with 1% going to general Township services (parks, community development, planning & zoning, administration) and 1% going to Township roads. Twelve percent goes to fund the Police Department and 11% goes to the Fire Department. The Police and Fire levies were approved by voters. 

Butler County - 12.25%

Butler County receives about 13% of your tax dollar. Three percent of this amount is for general County government services. The remainder was approved by voters through county-wide elections – The Board of Developmental Disabilities (3%), Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services (2%), and Children's Services (3%). The Butler County Commissioners set the budget for these services. 

Senior Services levy funds (2%) are also approved by voters and are receipted by the County. The Council on Aging bills Butler County for services and ultimately administers the budget for this service. 

Butler Tech Joint Vocational School - 3.2%

Butler Tech receives about 3% of your tax dollar. 

MetroParks of Butler County - 0.93%

MetroParks of Butler County collects about 1% of your tax dollar through a county-wide levy approved by voters. 

MidPointe Library System - 0.98%

The MidPointe Library System collects about 1% of your tax dollar through a library system-wide levy approved by voters. 

Plenty of parking is available on site at Beckett Park, on the east side of Beckett Road. A limited number of parking spaces, including handicap accessible parking, is available directly in front of the main entrance.

If your utility company is Duke Energy:

• You must be a resident or qualifying business located within West Chester Township limits;
• You must NOT have already chosen a natural gas supplier on your own;
• You must NOT be a Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) customer;
• You must NOT be in arrears on your bill payment; and
• You must NOT be a mercantile customer using over 5,000 CCF/year.