Clermont County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clermont County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.