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HAMILTON — The concept of regionalizing water systems took a step toward fruition Thursday, July 24, when Butler County commissioners applied for a state grant to fund a study of the idea.

The county applied for a $30,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development to pay half of a study to explore merging the city of Hamilton's, Butler County's and Monroe's water systems.

If approved by the state, Hamilton and Butler County would each chip in another $15,000 for the study, said County Administrator Tim Williams.

Hamilton Mayor Don Ryan floated the concept of such a merger and agreed to pay half the cost in a July 3 letter. This followed the county's complaints about how much the city charged them for water, and threats to take their business to Cincinnati.

While the county provides water to 2,000 Monroe customers and handles that city's sewer service, this is the first mention of a possible three-way merger with Monroe.

Monroe City Councilwoman Anna Hale said her city is curious about whether there's any benefit to merging services, and agreed to the study since it's not costing Monroe anything.

The state grant required at least three governments to take part, Williams said. He said the county will find out in August whether it gets the grant. If so, he said officials will presumably hire Miami University to conduct the study, which could be done by fall.

Commissioner Gregory Jolivette said in order for a merger with Hamilton to work, the city must "make a compromise."

He said the city and county should both give up control and create a merged system with a board representing both entities. He also said that the rates for the two entities should be equalized, whereas now county residents pay more than twice what Hamilton residents pay for water.

Ryan said he believes a merged system will lower rates for both of their customers, but that county rates will likely stay higher because the county carries debt that the city doesn't.