8-14-2026 9:35pm

Warren County Commissioners Consider Faster Liquor Permit Reviews, Revenue Bond Request

Beth Callahan Editor

By Warren County Post

LEBANON, OH — Warren County commissioners are considering a new policy aimed at speeding up the county’s review of liquor permit applications while still preserving the public’s opportunity to object.

The issue came before commissioners during their Aug. 11 meeting after Clerk of Commissioners Krystal Hensley said the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control had asked the county to respond to notices involving the issuance, transfer and renewal of liquor permits rather than allowing the standard 30-day response period to expire without action.

Commissioner Shannon Jones said the county historically has allowed the 30-day period to run and that she could not recall an objection during her nearly 10 years as a commissioner. She said that practice can unnecessarily delay businesses seeking permits.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Bruce McGary noted that the waiting period gives residents time to raise objections. However, he said an objection must be based on criteria established in state law, such as certain criminal convictions or problems with an applicant’s existing liquor license. It cannot simply be based on opposition to a business operating nearby.

Commissioner Dave Young said the county should look for a way to balance both interests.

“You’re trying to balance expediting a legitimate business’s need to conduct their business versus the community’s right to say, ‘Wait a second, this is our issue,’” Young said.

Commissioner Tom Grossmann also noted that he could not recall a liquor license objection during his years in local government.

Hensley said she could work with the prosecutor’s office to develop a policy that would authorize her to sign and return the state notices before the 30-day period expires. No final policy was adopted during the meeting.

Jones described the current procedure as appearing to be a “relic” in state law but said the county still needs to respect the public’s ability to object. She suggested county officials explore a policy while also potentially raising the issue with the state.

Young directed McGary and Hensley to work on a proposal addressing both concerns and return with recommendations.

Commissioners also discussed a request involving approximately $280 million in proposed revenue bond financing for Otterbine Homes.

Hensley said the proposal includes about $130 million to refinance existing bonds and approximately $150 million in new revenue bonds. The county would serve as the issuer.

Jones emphasized that the county and its taxpayers would not be responsible for repaying the bonds. County Administrator Martin Russell said the county also receives a fee for serving as the conduit issuer.

Young noted that the arrangement provides some revenue to the county without creating a taxpayer obligation. Hensley said she would work with the county’s legal team to begin the necessary process.