Butler County may trade off higher interest earnings on bank accounts for security and stability.

County officials are discussing keeping the county's 89 accounts with NexTier Bank, which is being acquired by Northwest Savings, rather than switch to a smaller bank.

Treasurer Diane Marburger on Monday recommended the county stay with NexTier instead of going with Farmers National Bank of Emlenton for interest bearing checking over the next two years.

Although Farmers National Bank submitted the highest annual interest rate of 1.5 percent, Marburger said in an interview that NexTier is a better choice due to stability and security issues.

She said NexTier, which is offering 0.55 percent interest, will become even more stable once it's acquired by Northwest, the state's banker.

Marburger said the banking industry has more bank mergers and is not favoring small banks such as Farmers.

The county would be the largest client of the Emlenton bank.

"I don't want to be the biggest fish in the pond," Marburger said.

While the county could earn about $230,000 more by going with Farmers, which would garner nearly $356,000 as opposed to $123,000 from NexTier, Marburger said the extra revenue does not offset what would be lost.

"You have to look at the whole picture," she said.

The 89 accounts hold $20 million and $24 million on any given day. Most of the total county budget, which is $177 million this year, passes through the accounts.

The sheriff and prothonotary use PNC.

Marburger said Northwest's acquisition of NexTier will improve the county's electronic banking while going to a smaller bank would create a more tedious process.

"It would be a step backward," she said.

Marburger is concerned about Farmers less stringent online security measures.

"We have a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers," she said.

Switching to a different bank also would entail county staff spending a significant amount of time moving the accounts.

"It would take months," Marburger said.

The county commissioners, who are set to select a bank Thursday, support Marburger's recommendation.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, board chairman, said Marburger made her case.

"She certainly has the documents," he said.

Commissioner Jim Lokhaiser agreed, stressing Marburger spent much time analyzing the proposals from 10 banks.

"I feel very comfortable with it," he said.

Commissioner James Kennedy said he would consider Marburger's recommendation.

"She lays out a valid argument," he said.

During the meeting, Kennedy said whichever selection is made must be what's best for the county.

"This is not a decision we'll take lightly."