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MSD compromise hits roadblock

Sarah Ramsey

Just days afterannouncing a compromise, county and city leaders could be heading back to square one.

Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel had planned to lead a vote Wednesday to reopen the bidding process for Metropolitan Sewer District projects. The board instituted a moratorium several weeks ago when Cincinnati City Council refused to scrap its local hiring and responsible bidder requirements.

The plan could be on hold however now that Council member Chris Seelbach doesn't yet have enough votes to repeal those requirements. Seelbach says that surprised him but he'll continue working for a compromise.

"In the meantime," he says, "the projects will likely continue to be delayed and we will risk that the federal government will find us in contempt of the consent decree and we could face large penalties."

Seelbach and Commissioner Chris Monzel announced Friday they'd reached a compromise and would be moving forward this week.

Seelbach now says he's hopeful both sides can continue discussions and get a compromise by August 1.

The issue stems from the fact that Hamilton County owns MSD, but it's operated by the city.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.