Liz Rogers speaks during a press conference at The National Underground Freedom Center announcing the opening of Mahogany's restaurant at The Banks development in the spring of 2012. Photo taken by Leigh Taylor in January 2012.
John Johnston reports
Liz Rogers, who has a deal with the city of Cincinnati to bring her Mahogany’s restaurant to The Banks, settled an old debt on Friday by forfeiting a $3,104 bond that was paid on her behalf.
A Butler County court in April 2010 ordered Rogers, of West Chester Township, to pay $3,000 plus 4 percent interest to Queen City Computer Press Inc. of Blue Ash. The company had done work for a business Rogers formerly owned, Brooklyn Spa Services in Forest Park.
On Tuesday, Rogers surrendered at the Butler County Jail on a warrant related to the debt. She was released after her husband, Trent Rogers, posted $3,104.22 bond on her behalf.
Before a scheduled hearing on Friday in Butler County Common Pleas Court, the parties agreed that the bond would be forfeited to Queen City Computer Press, and the case was dismissed. Rogers did not appear.
Bob Welch, Queen City Computer Press president, declined comment.
Rogers’ financial situation has drawn scrutiny because of her deal with the city of Cincinnati to open a Mahogany’s at The Banks, which would make her the first minority business owner at the riverfront development. Rogers also owns a Mahogany’s in Hamilton.
On Feb. 29, Cincinnati City Council approved a $300,000 loan for furniture and equipment and a $684,000 city grant to cover restaurant design and construction. Afterward, it was revealed that Rogers and her husband owe $49,000 in personal taxes. The couple paid off a $3,900 delinquent property tax bill before the deal with the city was approved.
Roger said in a statement earlier this week that all her financial issues, including the case involving Queen City Computer Press, were disclosed to the city while she pursued The Banks deal.