Mason MattersMason MattersM

ason Matters

1www.imaginemason.org

Inside This Issue:4 Tax News5 Downtown Decorating Contest Winners6 Reducing Your Summer Sewer Bill7 Free CPR Classes for Residents8 Where Do You Live?And more!

Comprehensive Plan Updated

American LegionBenefi ts Many

� e 2010 Revised Plan was adopted by City Council last November and is available online at www.imaginemason.org. � e city would like to thank all those who participated in and were key to the creation of this new plan for our community.

A Comprehensive Plan is one of the most important planning tools for guiding

future development and maintaining a high quality community. It provides guidelines for land use decisions, current and future planning, locating proposed developments, enhancing community image and character, and improving vehicle movement throughout the city.

Mason’s ­ rst Comprehensive Plan was created in 1963. It has been updated several times to stay in line with the changing needs, goals, and conditions of the city.

� e latest revision was completed last year a� er gathering information from residents, businesses, and community stakeholders. As Mason continues to grow and evolve into a more mature community, the Comprehensive Plan will provide the framework for a thoughtfully planned, a� ractive community with compatible adjacent uses, adequate land for both business and residential use, and roads and streets to handle the tra� c e� ciently.

American Legion Post 194 Commander John Looker

and 1st Vice Commander Jerry Behymer visited the Mason Municipal Center to present checks to several city and community organizations. � e Mason Police and Fire Departments, the city’s Hope for the Holidays program, the Mason Public Library, and Mason Historical Society each received $1,500. Present to accept the checks were (front row, le� to

right) City Manager Eric Hansen, Police Chief Ron Ferrell, Hope for the Holidays chair Sheri Collins, Mason Public Library Director Sarah Brown, Mason Historical Society President Judy Cox, and Mr. Behymer. Back row: Fire Chief John Moore, O� cer Sco� Burdick for the police explorer program, Mr. Looker, and Council Member Rich Cox. � anks to the American Legion for helping further the e� orts of these agencies to serve the residents of Mason.

Residents who recently moved into the Mason area are invited to a co� ee to meet

other new residents and learn more about the area.

� e co� ees are hosted by Community Basket representative Courtney Allen and are sponsored by the City of Mason and the Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.

� e co� ees are held at 10:30 a.m. on the ­ rst Wednesday of each month at the Mason Community Center, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road in Mason (adjacent to Mason High School). Refreshments are included and tours of the center will be provided. � ose in a� endance will receive a one-day family pass to the Community Center.

Children are welcome.

New To Mason?Meet Other New Residents at

Monthly Co� ee

February / March 2011

Mas

on M

atter

s

2

Dear Mason Resident, Toward the end of each year, several events occur that remind me of how proud I am of the employees of the City of Mason. One has to do with generosity and one with the complete opposite—conservation. Each year, the city participates in the annual Warren County United Way campaign. Led by long-time and dedicated commi  ee chair Kendra Taylor, the commi  ee sponsored fundraising activities throughout the year. � e annual pledge campaign was augmented by donations and fees from a bowl-a-thon, a change war, department-sponsored lunches, miniature golf, jersey days, and more. $11,600 was collected for the campaign. I’d like to extend my appreciation to the city’s employees and to Kendra, fellow commi  ee members Don Cope, Pam Eickenhorst, Amanda Hisey, Gale Long, Jessica Manwaring, Art Oliver, and Pa  i Workman, and to all the businesses that contributed toward making the campaign a success. Employees continued to give to the community through the annual Hope for the Holidays program. Departments were pleased to partner this year with local companies CMC Properties and Tramonte and Sons to increase the number of “adopted” families we could assist with clothing, household items, toys, gi� certi� cates, and food. While Mason is not as severely a� ected by the current economy as other areas, we need look no further than our own community to � nd those who are struggling. � anks to commi  ee chair Sheri Collins, the employee team of Karen Arp, Marlene Burnell, Pa  ie Connor, Mark Heckenmueller, Wanda Lindley, Gale Long, Barb Ostendarp, and Ken Spillman, and to Mason High School Hope Club, American Legion Post 194, Western Row School, the Mason Manta Rays, the Mason Community Center Senior Center members, Greenbrier Garden Club, Brownie Troop 47710, and to the community for stepping forward to help where possible. I am proud of you all. I am also proud of how conservative our employees can be! Over the past year, employees have saved the city over $2 million through partnerships, reusing materials, using internal resources instead of contracting out—or the reverse when it bene� ts the city, reducing overtime and part-time hours, sharing resources and manpower among departments, pursuing grants, and other cost-saving activities. As this issue is being put together, we are working with City Council to establish the budget for 2011. � e city’s long-term strategy of budgeting conservatively and underestimating revenues has kept Mason from feeling the full e� ects of the current economic conditions. However, it gets harder as the situation continues. Council and sta� are continuing to closely monitor the budget, trim expenses, and make the tough decisions necessary to continue to provide quality services without exceeding revenues.I am con� dent our employees are up to the challenge.

We appreciate your calls, visits and e-mails to the Mason Municipal Center to discuss what is going on in the city. I encourage you to call 513.229.8500 or stop in any time during business hours if you need information or assistance.

Main Number 513.229.8500

City Hotlines513.229.8502

Administration513.229.8510

Community Center513.229.8555

Emergency9.1.1

Engineering & Building513.229.8520

Finance513.229.8530

City Of Mason - Contact Information6000 Mason-Montgomery Road • Mason, Ohio 45040

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday513.229.8500 • www.imaginemason.org

Fire Department 513.229.8540

Parks & Recreation513.229.8550

Police Department513.229.8560

Public Utilities513.229.8570

Public Works513.229.8580

Tax Office513.229.8535

Utility Customer Service513.229.8533

Billing Questions513.591.7700

Service Questions:

Sewer Serviceand Emergencies

513.229.8570(nights, holidays & weekends,

emergencies only)513.925.2525

Stormwater513.229.8570

Waste Collection and Recycling513.229.8533

Water Serviceand Emergencies

513.591.7700

From the City Manager

Eric Hansen, City Manager

Mason Matters is published by the City of Mason. For information about this publication, or if you are a Mason resident and do not receive this newsletter, either

through OurTown magazine or mailed separately with the CenterPoint program guide, please contact the City of Mason at 513.229.8510.

Recycle! Rumpke can now take all plastic bo  les

and jugs, regardless of the recycling number. Clean pizza boxes with no grease are also accepted now.Other items accepted include:• paper products (o¤ ce paper,

newspapers, phonebooks, mail, brown paper products, cardboard boxes broken down into 3 foot by 3 foot sections)

• plastic bo  les, numbers 1 through 7 (not accepted: plastic bags, bu  er tubs, food trays, toys, oil jugs)

• aluminum and steel beverage, food, and aerosol cans

• rinsed glass bo  les and jars (please remove lids)

Learn more atwww.rumpkerecycling.com.

Mason M

atters

3www.imaginemason.org

Mason welcomed a new start-up technology company to the city last fall.

A primary economic development goal of the City of Mason is to � nd creative ways to leverage and keep the investment and job creation of high-growth technology companies. O� en these companies have small space requirements, job numbers, and payrolls in their initial stages. It is di� cult to use traditional business recruitment methods and incentives to capture them.

Successfully locating companies that � t a description like StoreFlix is thought to have a multiplier e� ect, however, on the city’s ability to accomplish other economic strategies, including creating a critical mass for a� racting more entrepreneur start-ups and creating greater workforce availability in the science and technology � elds.

� e city was pleased to work with StoreFlix to help them � nd a location in Mason to start their business. It turned out to be

right under the city’s roof. In September, the city entered into a Temporary Occupancy Agreement with StoreFlix with the objective of securing a short-term opportunity to keep the new start-up company in Mason.

� e creative solution to keep and hopefully grow this company was a lease agreement with StoreFlix that allows them to operate their business in a 3,000 square foot o� ce space in the Mason Municipal Center. � e space was vacated by the Fire Department when it moved its administrative o� ces to the new � re station. � e terms allow the company a six- to 12-month stay in approximately 2,000 square feet of the space and further de� nes the short- and long-term return on the city’s investment within the lease. � e more critical objective is to keep the investment and job creation of StoreFlix in the Mason corporate limits beyond the short term start-up space in the Municipal Center.

Start-Up Technology Company Locates In Mason

It’s Always The Season To Protect Your ValuablesEven though the

winter holiday season is well behind us, it’s always a good idea to take a few precautions to protect your valuables.

Crimes can occur anywhere, including in homes or while

you are out and about shopping, doing errands, or visiting with family or friends. Holidays o� en herald a rise in the opportunity for crimes. In 2009, the Mason Police Department reported 475 property

crimes and 49 burglaries to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. A bit of prevention and awareness can reduce the likelihood that you will become a victim of crime.

Around your home, make sure that when you are away, your doors and windows are locked. Even while home, it is a good idea to lock your doors and keep your garage door down since it is not uncommon for a thief to view an open garage door as an easy opportunity to steal.

If you park your car outside at night, lock it and remove all valuables from it including laptops, purses, and navigational devices. Most of the cars in Mason that have items

stolen from them are either parked unlocked on the street or in a driveway or have valuables lying inside in plain sight.

It is equally important to lock your car and remove or hide any valuables while away from home. When possible, park your vehicle in a well lit area. When returning to your car, have your keys ready so you can quickly enter your car. Listen to your instincts. If something does not seem or feel right, it probably isn’t. Report any suspicious activity immediately to the police.

Following a few personal security and safety tips will help keep you safe at any time of year.

Clerk of Council Retires

Last November, Mayor Don Prince and members of City Council commended and

thanked retiring Clerk of Council Terry Schulte for her 13 years of service to Council. From le� are Vice Mayor David Nichols, Council Members Char Pelfrey and Tony Bradburn, Mayor Prince, Terry and her husband Gary, and Council Members Mike Gilb and Rich Cox.

� e clerk is appointed by Council to record the minutes of the meetings, keep a record of ordinances approved by Council, provide notice of public meetings, and perform other duties as necessary. Council has appointed Nancy Hickey as the new Clerk of Council. Nancy will continue to greet you as the receptionist on the second � oor of the Mason Municipal Center as she adds the clerk’s responsibilities to her daily activities.

February / March 20114

In order keep costs down, the Mason Public Utilities Department continually

looks for ways to streamline existing plant operations and sewer systems. One way to make treatment plants more e� cient and cost e� ective is to eliminate rainwater and other run-o� from entering the sanitary sewer system. � e rainwater and other sources of water that enter a sanitary sewer system are called “in  ow and in­ ltration,” commonly referred to as “I&I.”

The City of Mason, unlike many older communities, has separate storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems. Keeping the stormwater out of the sanitary sewer system helps keep the cost of treating wastewater down because the rainwater does not have to be pumped or treated. Instead, it flows naturally to area streams and basins. The lack of treatment for this water is the reason that foreign materials such as pet waste, grass clippings and other yard waste, oils, etc., should not be dumped into the storm sewer.

Manhole Inserts Keep Costs Down

Top: Debris around a manhole cover is a sign of a sanitary sewer overfl ow.Middle / Bottom: Manhole inserts are being placed in sanitary sewer manholes in areas where surface water washes over or collects. These inexpensive plastic covers under the lid keep treatment costs down by preventing rain water from entering the sanitary sewer system.

One solution to the problem of I&I is to reduce the water entering through manholes. Inflow protectors like the one pictured at left keep surface water from entering the system. On an average rainy day, a single manhole can allow anywhere from 3,000 to 12,000 gallons of rainwater to enter the sewer treatment system. Inflow protectors are a low-cost, yet effective way to keep the surface water from entering the sanitary sewer system.

Inflow protectors can make it appear that a manhole is not working. The city’s Public Utilities Department often receives phone calls from residents who believe the sanitary sewer is backing up because they can see water through the holes of the manhole lid. This is often the inflow protector doing its job. After a rain event, water standing in the inflow protector gives the illusion that the manhole may not be functioning properly.

A manhole that is not working properly often shows other signs. Look for clumps of white paper, various kinds of debris around the manhole, and water continuously flowing out of the lid. If these are present, or if you’d still like to have a manhole checked, please call the city’s Public Utilities Department at 513.229.8570. We appreciate your assistance in reporting manholes that may not be working properly.

Mas

on M

atter

s

Mason residents employed in another city that has an earnings tax will enjoy a

larger tax credit this year.In 2007, Mason voters approved an

amendment to the city’s charter that changed the city’s Tax Ordinance. � e change gradually increased the credit for taxes paid to other cities.

Starting in tax year 2010, residents employed in another city that has an earnings tax may take a maximum credit of up to one hundred percent (100%) of the tax due on the portion of their earnings taxed by the city where they are employed. Please note that you are still required to � le a return even if no tax is due.

More information is included in your 2010 City of Mason income tax packet, which will be mailed to you by the end of January 2011. Tax forms are also available on the city’s web site, www.imaginemason.org, or by calling the Mason Tax O� ce at 513.229.8535

Estimated PaymentsPlease note that 90% of your 2010 tax liability

must be paid by January 31 this year to avoid a penalty and/or interest charge. If you are not sure if you have met your 90% requirement, please contact the tax o� ce for assistance.

If your employer does not withhold

Mason income tax from your pay, the Declaration of Estimated Tax can be filled out when you file your return. Because so many residents will not need to receive quarterly courtesy coupons, they will be mailed only in January and only if you made an estimated tax declaration. The January coupon will remind you to pay your tax liability by January 31 in order to meet the 90% requirement and avoid penalties and interest. You may use our on-line tax tool to make your payment or to print a payment coupon. Blank coupons will be included in your January tax packet for quarterly payments for the coming tax year.

Online Tax Tool with E-� ling

For easier ­ ling, calculate your 2010 taxes using the city’s online tax tool. Beginning February 14, you can enter all your income information and the tax tool will calculate the correct tax due. Most taxpayers will be able to e-­ le. � e online tool also gives you the opportunity to view all payments applied to your account that were received prior to February 1. Visit www.imaginemason.org to use this handy tool.

2010 Tax Filing Deadline is Approaching

Mason Tax O� ce regular business hours

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Monday through Friday

tax season extended hours8 a.m. to 12 p.m.Saturday, April 9

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. � ursday, April 14

8 a.m. to 7 p.m.Friday, April 15

2010 Tax Return Deadline2010 tax returns and extension requests

must be postmarked or dropped o� at the Mason Municipal Center on or before Monday, April 18.

Help From the Tax O� ce� e tax o� ce will gladly prepare your City

of Mason income tax return free of charge. Please bring all supporting documentation to the customer service counter in the Mason Municipal Center during regular business hours or during our tax season extended hours.

Aro

un

d Mason

Arou

ndMason

Mason M

atters

5www.imaginemason.org

Downtown Decorating Contest Winners

Mason-Deerfi eld Arts Alliance Hosts Concert

This past December, the City of Mason and the Downtown Mason Association once again invited

downtown businesses to trim their storefronts with holiday decorations to usher in the holiday season for the Seventh Annual Decorating Contest.

In previous years, the competition was centered on decorating the front window of the business. � is year's competition was modi� ed to allow more participation and create a greater sense of holiday spirit. Businesses without a front window to decorate were encouraged to hang a wreath on their front door to be included in the fun and festivities.

� e judging was done by members of the Downtown Commi� ee of Council and the awards were presented during Christmas in Mason.

� e winners this year were: 1st Place: Baysore’s Flower Shop, 2nd Place: Dowrey Stover Insurance, 3rd Place: Banana Leaf Modern � ai, Honorable Mention: Mim’s O� Main. All of the windows and doors that were decorated helped generate a warm and welcoming atmosphere in Downtown Mason!

The Mason-Deer� eld Arts Alliance is participating in the ArtsWave (formerly Fine Arts Fund) Sampler

Weekends by hosting area musical artists on February 12. � e event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at Christ’s Church at Mason, 5165 Western Row Road.

At noon, there will be a “meet and greet” and refreshments will be served. From 1 to 2:30, world-renowned pianist Sergei Polusmiak and his students will perform. Guests will be treated to student solos as well as a special performance by Mr. Polusmiak. Following the performances, Mr. Polusmiak will answer questions regarding his experiences as a concert pianist.

From 3 to 4:30, string musicians and co-founders Marva Rasmussen and Carolyn Quinn will bring their Northern Cincinnati Youth Orchestras for a performance. A¢ er the concert, Ms. Rasmussen, Ms. Quinn, and the students will answer your questions.

ArtsWave supports and collaborates with arts organizations throughout the Cincinnati region to create an environment in which the arts thrive. For more information, visit www.masonarts.org.

Mason Municipal Center Hosts Art Exhibition

The Mason-Deer� eld Arts Alliance is pleased to present the photography exhibition “With Li� le

Sound” by Amy Hildebrand will be featured at the Mason Municipal Center from March 7 to 25. Enjoy the works of this unique artist as she shares her daily photographs and excerpts of the suburban life of a 25-year old. Meet the artist at the opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 11.

February / March 2011

Mas

on M

atter

s

6

Summer Adjustments Reduce your Sewer Bill

Does Your Backyard Pool Meet Safety

Standards?

You probably know that you pay wastewater (sewer) charges based on the

amount of water you use each month. � ese fees are used to support the operation of the city’s wastewater system, including the Water Reclamation (treatment) Plant on Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road, about 200 miles of sewer lines, 8 li­ stations, and over 2,000 manholes throughout the city.

In the winter months, it’s a pre� y good bet that nearly all of the water you draw goes down the drain to the Water Reclamation Plant. It is reasonable, then, to charge sewer fees based on water consumption.

During the warmer months, water consumption typically rises because of outdoor activities such as � lling swimming pools, washing your car or outdoor equipment, and watering your lawn and gardens. � is water � ows into surface drainage and stormwater systems and does not go to the wastewater treatment plant. � erefore, the expenses to reclaim this water are not incurred. To compensate, your sewer rates are automatically adjusted in the warmer months.

� e adjustment is made for each household individually and is based on the amount of water you normally use in winter. Each winter, your water consumption from November through March (shown on your bills from December through April) is averaged to get an average winter monthly usage � gure.

In the remaining months of the year, sewer fees are not charged on water consumption that exceeds your average winter monthly usage.

� e example in the chart at right shows the water usage in hundred cubic feet of water (ccf) for a sample Mason family. It also shows

this year, you can save by � lling it a­ er you get your April bill. If you � ll it before then, you may raise your average winter monthly water usage. � is could mean your summer usage cap for sewer charges for the following summer months is higher.

If the family in the example above � lls a pool in March and it takes 5 ccf, their average winter monthly water usage will rise to 14. � is means that in April, July, August, and September, they will pay sewer fees on 14 ccf instead of 13.

If you have questions about your utility bill, please contact Greater Cincinnati Water Works at 513.591.7700.

With summer only a few months away, you may be thinking about a backyard pool. Now is the time

to start thinking about making sure your pool will meet current safety standards.

Whether your pool is above- or in-ground, there are safety standards that are meant to reduce the possibility of accidents and injuries. New and existing pools over two feet deep must meet speci� c barrier requirements. In-ground pools, for example, must be enclosed in a 4-foot high fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. (Other standards apply to above-ground pools.) � ere are also setback, electrical, and lighting speci� cations that must be met to ensure safety. If you are installing a new pool, a building permit will be required.

For more information, visit www.imaginemason.org and look for the swimming pool installation notes or call the Engineering and Building Department at 513.229.8520.

SAMPLE RESIDENTIAL WATER BILL (showing summer sewer adjustments)Month Month bill

receivedAmount of water used (ccf):

Water charges based on (ccf):

Sewer charges based on (ccf):

November December 13 13 13December January 14 14 14January February 11 11 11February March 12 12 12March April 15 15 15Total winter usage 65AVE¢ GE winter monthly usage 13 (65 ÷ 5)April May 15 15 13May June 12 12 12June July 13 13 13July August 18 18 13August September 14 14 13September October 15 15 13October November 11 11 11

the ccf on which water and sewer fees were calculated.

While water charges are always based on the amount of water used, the sewer charges are not. For April through October, this family’s sewer charges were capped at the rate for 13 ccf, which was the average of their winter water usage. In July, they used 18 ccf of water and paid sewer fees on only 13 ccf. However, their usage dropped below 13 ccf in May and October and they were charged sewer fees only on the amount actually used.

Fill your Pool a� er your April BillIf you will be � lling a swimming pool

Mason M

atters

7www.imaginemason.org

Mason Companies Make Good News

Mason Fire Department Encourages You to Learn CPRFree Bi-Monthly Classes O ered for Residents

Congratulations to these Mason companies that were recognized over the

last few months of 2010:

“Student Enrollment Swells at Sinclair’s Courseview Campus,” reported the Pulse-Journal in their September 14, 2010, issue. Dr. George H. Sehi said enrollment numbers at Courseview have nearly quadrupled from 340 students in the fall of 2007 to 1,200 students this year. � is year, the campus o ers more than 200 sections of coursework, compared to 150 last year. Hours have also increased to include Saturday and Sunday classes. For classes currently being o ered visit, www.sinclair.edu.

Vintner Select is expanding its wine selection to include an internationally known portfolio of more than 50 German and Austrian wines. With this expansion of product, Vintner Select President Gordon Hullar expects to produce $250,000 in new revenue for the company and increase the number of wines it distributes to nearly 1,000. You can � nd out more about Vintner Select by going online to www.vintnerselect.com.

“New Tide Drycleaners: A Hit at Mason Location,” wrote Dayton Daily News on November 16, 2010, a� er ceremonies took place to dedicate the � rst Procter & Gamble dry cleaning store in Ohio. Since opening on Halloween, the store has done twice the volume of business they projected according to Ross Holthouse, external relations manager for P&G’s Futureworks Corporate New Business Development division. To � nd out about their special services and rewards program, visit www.tidedrycleaners.com.

Teledyne Tekmar targets training as a strategy for sales and service growth. In October, Teledyne Tekmar was a � nalist in the Business Courier’s � rst annual International Business Awards. Export council members chose 23 � nalists from approximately 50 nominations in an e ort to honor and recognize regional companies that excel in the international marketplace. Learn more about them at www.teledynetekmar.com.

Cintas Corporation was chosen as a Best Place to Work winner by the Business Courier, November 5, 2010. Sco£ Farmer, CEO, indicated that recession or no recession, Cintas will continue to do what it does best – o er quality and innovative products and services with exemplary customer service provided by an extraordinary team of employee-partners commi£ ed to exceeding their customers’ expectations in a safe and sustainable working environment. Check out www.cintas.com for more information about the company.

CPR—Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation—is a critical link in the chain of survival for the victim of a sudden cardiac arrest. Remember, time is tissue.

CPR is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims suspected to be without a pulse. CPR can “buy time” by providing a small amount of blood ¦ ow to the body until paramedics arrive and provide further life saving measures and transportation to the emergency room. According to the American Heart Association, the chance of survival is doubled or tripled for victims of cardiac arrest who receive early CPR.

When a person su ers a sudden cardiac event, bystanders and family members are o� entimes the victim’s � rst chance for survival. Even with the rapid response of the paramedics, sometimes too much time has elapsed to give the victim an adequate chance at survival. CPR does save lives.

As part of our e ort to make the community a safer place to live and work, the City of Mason Fire Department is o ering a series of CPR classes in 2011. Bi-monthly CPR training for residents of Mason will be held in February, April, June, August, October, and December of 2011.

� e course is free of charge to residents. All CPR instructors are Mason � re� ghter/paramedics. During the sessions, residents will learn adult and child CPR as well as the proper operation of an automated external de� brillator (AED). A� er the four-hour class, participants will receive a certi� cation from the American Heart Association.

� e classes will be held in the community room at the new Fire Station 51 at 4420 Mason-Montgomery Road. In addition to the bi-monthly classes for residents, the

TELEDYNE TEKMARA Teledyne Technologies Company

Vintner SelectImporters and Distributors of Quality Wines

Mason Fire Department also o ers CPR classes to local businesses.

To sign up for CPR classes, or for more information, please contact Fire Administration at 513.229.8540.

February / March 2011

Mas

on M

atter

s

8

Why Doesn’t Your ZIP Code Match Where You Live?

We regularly get calls at the city from residents wondering whether they

actually live in the City of Mason. � e confusion o� en comes about from the caller’s ZIP code. Sometimes the ZIP code is Lebanon, Maineville, or Kings Mills and the caller is actually located in Mason. Other times, the ZIP code is Mason and the caller is outside of Mason, even though their children a� end Mason schools.

� e confusion comes about because city corporation lines, school district boundaries, and ZIP code service areas are all di­ erent.

Postal service is broken down by ZIP codes to aid in moving mail from one place to another. Not all ZIP codes mirror the name of the area they serve. � is is because of the way the delivery districts, which rarely change, were originally set up. Postal service usually comes from the closest post o� ce, which is o� en in the nearest city—or at least it was when the codes were originally established. � e result is that residents in some newer areas of the city do not have their mail delivered by the Mason post o� ce. Similarly, residents outside the city limits have their mail delivered through the Mason post o� ce, which has the 45040 ZIP code.

� e map at right shows city, school district, and ZIP code boundaries. It may also be found at www.imaginemason.org. If you have any questions regarding your address, please contact the City of Mason Engineering & Building Department at 513.229.8520.

Mayor Don Prince recognized the 2010 Mason Girls Varsity

Golf Team for winning the state championship for the third year in a row. With the mayor are (from left) JV Coach Karen Binzel, team members Emily Wright (individual state champion), Tara Liebert, Jamie Ellison, Jessica Zhang, and Erin Michel, and Head Coach Fred Reeder, Jr. Not shown: alternate Rachel Vossman.

Girls Golf Team Recognized