Clermont County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clermont County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Annual Tax Budget Preview
Commissioners proclaimed National First Responders Day; the Fire Chiefs Alliance used the occasion to publicly push 2027 budget items for dispatch and emergency management they call vital to public safety.
9-1-1 Cost Allocation and Dispatch Rates
Public Safety Services Director Jessica Wiederhold reported that 911 call volume rose 6.5% in 2025 to over 120,000 incidents, with 94% of calls answered in under 10 seconds despite ongoing staffing shortages. The department is currently hiring new dispatchers and pursuing major infrastructure upgrades including radio network improvements.
9-1-1 Dispatch Cost Allocation Rates
Public Safety Services Director Jessica Wiederhold reported that 911 call volume rose 6.5% in 2025 to over 120,000 incidents, with 94% of calls answered in under 10 seconds despite ongoing staffing shortages. The department is currently hiring new dispatchers and pursuing major infrastructure upgrades including radio network improvements.
Batavia Township TIF and RID Clarification
The county officially terminated the 2005 development agreements and TIF district for the undeveloped SunnyMeade residential project in Goshen Township at the request of developers and the township, removing unused tax incentive structures.
Employee Health Insurance Renewal and Benefits Strategy
USI Insurance Services presented health insurance renewal options for 2027 showing a 15.5% rate increase due to rising medical claims. The board reviewed committee recommendations to adopt plan design changes, utilize reserves, and increase working spouse surcharges.
Property Tax Appraisals
Commissioners discussed upcoming property tax re-evaluations and potential relief measures, such as eliminating inside millage or using sales tax offsets to ease the burden on homeowners.
Children's Services Tax Levy Renewal
Clermont Senior Services presented an overview of senior population growth and requested support for renewing their 1.3-mill property tax levy on the May 5, 2026 primary election ballot. The levy has not increased in 20 years and funds essential programs like home-delivered meals and transportation.
SNAP Administration and State Error Rate Penalties
County JFS officials discussed the mounting financial and administrative pressures of administering SNAP benefits amid state-level error rate penalties and federal cuts to administrative funds.
Property Tax Replacement Initiatives
Commissioners discussed signature-gathering campaigns by outside groups attempting to eliminate property taxes by replacing them with a 1% county sales tax increase. Officials noted the proposed sales tax hike would be insufficient to fund essential public services.
Tax Levies for County Services (May 2026 Ballot)
The county board voted to place three tax measures on the May primary ballot: a new 0.75-mill continuous levy for developmental disabilities, a children's services renewal with a 0.2-mill increase, and a senior services renewal. These levies fund vital safety net services for vulnerable county residents as operating costs rise.
Board of Developmental Disabilities Levy Proposal
The Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is seeking a new 0.75-mill continuous levy on the May 5, 2026 ballot to fund Medicaid match obligations and services. The levy would generate about $5.36 million annually, costing $26.25 per year per $100,000 of appraised property value.
County Board and Committee Appointments for 2026
The board appointed commissioners and staff to represent Clermont County on numerous regional and local boards and committees for the upcoming year, ensuring local oversight and participation.