Westward Group for Tax and Estate Planning Advisors Tokyo Paris Review finds companies with tax abatements meeting requirements

MONROE - A recent review of companies that have received tax abatements from the city of Monroe found that they are all in compliance with the requirements, such as job creation, outlined in the agreements.

City Council Tuesday approved a resolution accepting the annual review of the city’s 16 community reinvestment areas, tax increment financing districts and residential improvement districts that certifies that all were in compliance to maintain their various tax abatement designations.

The Butler County Tax Increment Review Council is required by state law to review each agreement to determine if the property owners are in compliance with each of those tax exempted properties. Some require the creation of a specific number of jobs or other requirements to stay in compliance. The TIRC review submits a review to City Council to continue, modify or cancel each agreement and the law further requires council to approve the review within 60 days. The TIRC review was completed in November and on Tuesday council adopt a resolution to approve the review.

Among those areas approved for continuance were in the Monroe Logistics Center, IDI, Corridor 75, and the Monroe Commerce Center.

Liquor control hearing motion declined

Council opted not to request a hearing before the state Liquor Control Commission on a request for a D-5 permit being sought by Main Street LLC, the business taking over the space of the Red Onion.

A D5 permit will allow for spirituous liquor for on premises consumption only, beer, wine and mixed beverages for on premises, or off premises in original sealed containers, until 2:30 a.m.

Officials said the restaurant will reopen sometime in January.

Laid-off firefighter has a new home

Zachary Bernard received his badge and helmet as he was introduced to council.

Bernard was one of 11 Middletown firefighters who were laid-off due to budget constraints. Tuesday was his first day with the Monroe Fire Department and Fire Chief John Centers said he expects Bernard to become an asset to the department.

“I’m really excited in coming to Monroe and I’m looking forward to a long career here,” Bernard said.

He is also certified as an emergency medical technician and as a hazardous materials technician.