Journal-News.com

The Lebanon City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday, Feb. 10, to approve a contract with Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad to keep the tourist train in town for four years once repairs to the city's ailing track has been made.

Mayor Amy Brewer voted against the measure, citing displeasure with a 50 cent per rider tax that would go to maintenance of the five mile of rail road track owned by the city. Brewer had advocated for an escalating fee starting at 50 cents in 2010 and raising by a quarter for the next three years.

"It makes me sick that we aren't holding LM&M more responsible," Brewer said. "This is a phenomenal contract that any business would love to be signing."

City Council was informed in October the five miles of track it owns on the southern end of town requires $350,000 in immediate repairs, primarily to two bridges. Furthermore, reports showed general maintenance was being underfunded by nearly $200,000 annually. LM&M, which is the sole users of the tracks, said it averages 50,000 riders annually.

Since that point, city leaders and LM&M execs, headed by LM&M CEO Brian Collins have conducted increasingly tense negotiations as to whether the city should pay for the tracks repair.

"I think we have to fix the tracks regardless," said council member Jeff Monroe. 'This agreement ensures someone is operating within the community while we are fixing them."

The contract calls for LM&M to remain in Lebanon through 2012, paying $52 50 each year beginning in 2010. Financially penalties would be assessed if LM&M leaves the city before then. Repairs to the first of two damaged bridges are to completed by July with the second by the fall.

LM&M CEO Brian Collins was not present at the meeting Tuesday. His representative, Ray Kammer, offered no comment as to whether or not Collins would agree to the contract.

"Absolutely, we are thrilled to keep the train in Lebanon," said Golden Lamb General Manager Ty Borger. "We get a lot of customers off the train and because we are busy that brings more customers in."

City council member Matt Rodriguez defended not employing the escalating per rider fee, saying the train was too valuable for the viability of downtown.

"Name me any city that has a depressed downtown at its core and is still viable," Rodriguez said. "There are none. This is absolutely a win-win for the city and the train."

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.