The Greene County Commission voted to fund a hydraulic feasibility study for eastern Greene County to inform potential residential development and infrastructure planning.

Brianne Gerald presented an update and read an email from Loyce Breeze of Westlow describing earlier assumptions used to size the study. Gerald said the technical memo and housing study referenced about 800 homes in the Cincinnati-area site and about 100 homes for Salisbury. Gerald also referenced a 2021 site-certification report for a property she identified by owner name that showed existing utility locations and said the report could be shared with commissioners.

The memo, Gerald said, is intended to give developers a prioritized list of candidate sites and preliminary infrastructure-cost estimates so developers can assess feasibility. Commissioners discussed whether to focus on Salisbury, sites nearer I-69 (the commissioners referenced the Owensburg/Killeen corridor), or sites adjacent to the Munitions Campus. Gerald told the board the consultant can prepare similar reports for other candidate sites but that each additional site would carry a separate price.

Discussion included multiple dollar figures. Gerald summarized the consultant’s estimate for the study as $25,000 in one exchange, while commissioners also referenced a $17,500 request and other intermediate figures. The motion recorded in the transcript to fund the study was described as an approval of “17,005 for the water study.” Cameron moved to approve funding for the study; Joshua seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners said the study’s output would include hydraulic capacity, utility-cost estimates and a prioritized list of parcels so developers could evaluate redevelopment costs. Gerald and commissioners also noted prior field trips and the 2021 site certification as useful background for the consultant.

The commission’s approval does not specify that the consultant will study additional candidate parcels; commissioners said that would require separate quotes. Gerald said she would circulate the site certification report and follow up on any scope clarifications commissioners request.

The matter arose during the agenda item reporting on water/geography and housing-study follow-ups; commissioners then moved to other agenda items.