Clermont County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clermont County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Goshen Township emergency alert siren
Years after a tornado took out Goshen's siren and fire department building, the township will install a new emergency alert siren on the county's 9-1-1 radio tower property.
Veterans services and mental health support
The county's veteran service office is expanding mental health support — VA vet center counseling is now offered in-county, and a monthly coalition with mental health, EMS, and law enforcement works to reach struggling veterans. Suicide numbers are coming down but remain too high, officials said.
Domestic Violence Awareness and YWCA House of Peace Renovations
Residents raised concerns about inadequate local mental health facilities and emergency housing for domestic violence victims and homeless individuals in Clermont County.
FEMA Disaster Declaration and Storm Recovery Assistance
County officials reported on widespread power outages, road closures, and building inspections following severe storms on August 11, noting that crews are working around the clock on debris cleanup and power restoration.
Meeting Times and Public Accessibility
Residents strongly criticized the commissioners for recently cutting public comment time limits from five minutes to two minutes. A motion by Commissioner Corcoran to restore the old rules failed 2-1.
Mental Health and Recovery Board Crisis Receiving Center Funding
The county has over $3.5 million in available opioid settlement funds. Commissioners discussed allocating $1.3 million annually as a lump sum through 2031 to support the operational budget of the planned Crisis Receiving Center.
Adult Detention Center Roof Replacement
The county is moving forward with an unbudgeted $2.7 million partial roof replacement at the adult detention center, which will be financed by adjusting timelines for other capital projects.
Police Surveillance Cameras Protest
Residents in Milford are pushing back on Flock police surveillance cameras, saying the privacy costs outweigh the public-safety benefits. The protest signals that the debate over local surveillance isn’t going away anytime soon.
Community Alternative Sentencing Center (CASC) Contract and Lease
The county renewed its annual contract and lease with Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services to operate the Community Alternative Sentencing Center, providing supportive diversion and sentencing options.
Public Participation Time Limit Reduction
Residents strongly criticized the commissioners for recently cutting public comment time limits from five minutes to two minutes. A motion by Commissioner Corcoran to restore the old rules failed 2-1.
Job and Family Services Departmental Status Update
DJFS Director Dorothy Meier shared positive progress on staffing, employee retention, and increased adoptions, while warning about upcoming federal SNAP administrative funding cuts and state error rate challenges.
Sheriff's Office ICE Partnership
Numerous residents sharply criticized the county's 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, demanding transparency and the cancellation of the arrangement over fears of community profiling and civil rights violations.
Prosecutor's Office Staffing for Child Abuse Cases
The county approved supplemental funds to help the prosecutor's office hire an experienced attorney dedicated to prosecuting child sex abuse crimes, addressing a surge in cases.
Clermont County Jail Heating Emergency and Repairs
Facilities Director Ronnie Ross reviewed completed 2025 projects and outlined 30 capital projects for 2026, noting that jail HVAC repairs could cost up to $7 million.
Homelessness and Community Support Services
Multiple residents and shelter volunteers urged the board to prioritize local solutions for homelessness and affordable housing, highlighting that rising rents and lack of emergency shelters leave vulnerable residents exposed in extreme cold.
Clermont County Animal Shelter Operations and Law Enforcement
County Auditor Linda Fraley highlighted that while the animal shelter received over $28,000 in citizen donations via the DocuPet system, overall dog license registrations remain low compared to estimated pet populations.
Invocation Practices and Separation of Church and State
Residents raised concerns about the Christian prayers opening county meetings, urging commissioners to include leaders from diverse religious faiths or lay ministers to adhere to constitutional principles.
Public Comment on Building Permits and Social Services
Residents raised issues regarding building department handling of neighborhood property disputes, as well as food and housing insecurity concerns during potential federal government disruptions.
Project Heart Restart AED Initiative
A local pastor and Rotarian announced an upcoming press conference to distribute 37 automated external defibrillators to county law enforcement vehicles, noting the project is close to its fundraising goal.
Emergency Operations Plan and EMA Leadership Transition
The Emergency Management Agency reviewed its comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan ahead of a state review and announced that longtime Director Pam Haverkos is stepping down to join the University of Cincinnati.