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Hamilton, Butler counties prepare for levy recounts

Election officials in Butler and Hamilton counties are preparing for recounts on two levies that were on the May 6 primary ballot and passed by small margins.

In Butler County, a $65 million bond issue and levy for Middletown Schools passed by 22 votes out of nearly 5,900 cast in the official vote count completed last week.

Since the difference fell within one half of one percent, an automatic recount is required. Butler County Elections Director Lynn Kinkaid said the recount will take place Friday morning.

The Middletown levy and bond issue will cost the owner of a $100,000 home an extra $129 a year.

In Hamilton County, an additional tax levy for police in Colerain Township passed by 11 votes out of about 6,700 cast. It would generate $2 million a year and cost the owner of a $100,000 home an extra $68 per year.

Hamilton County election officials will conduct the recount on Monday.

In each case, precincts equaling five percent of the total vote are hand-counted and the remaining precincts are read again electronically.

Howard Wilkinson is in his 50th year of covering politics on the local, state and national levels.