The Butler County Commissioners today expanded a smoking ban to all county-operated property.

The expanded ban, which takes effect in 2009, covers the government center, courthouse, Sunnyview Home, district judge offices and county vehicles.

Smoking will be permitted in Diamond and Alameda parks.

The augmented ban was initially proposed to cover county-owned land.

Under that version, only two district judge offices, those in the city and Butler Township, would be affected. The county rents the space for the other five district courts.

Under the expanded ban, no smoking areas will be designated outside any county building.

Since the commissioners passed a resolution, not an ordinance, there is no enforcement provision such as fines.

However, county employees could face disciplinary action for violating the ban.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, board chairman, said Monday an ordinance would follow if people ignore the expanded ban.