The Butler County commissioners won't be the ones who decide if the Merchant Marines are part of World War II's band of brothers.

The commissioners Wednesday unanimously voted to never again discuss a proposal to add a separate plaque honoring the mariners on the front of the World War II memorial in Diamond Park.

County Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, board chairman, made the motion.

"We are empathetic to the positions of both sides, but the time has come for the board of commissioners to extract itself once and for all from this dispute, and move on with the business of the county," he said.

While removing themselves from the debate, the commissioners did offer again two alternatives to a local group of mariners: a separate memorial in the park or a plaque displayed in the government center.

Pinkerton said the offers expire Oct. 1.

If the mariners opt for their own memorial, Pinkerton said he would help them raise money to fund the expense.

Butler attorney Larry Rodgers, who represents the mariners, said after the meeting neither option is appealing.

"We appreciate the commissioners hearing us," he said. "We don't appreciate the two options given."

However, Rodgers conceded not much can be done about the commissioners' decision.

"There's no legal position we have," he said.