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.
Veterans Village Housing Project
The Veterans Village is moving along: streets and underground work are done and walls are going up on 19 buildings plus a community center. The original plan called for 28 buildings, and more fundraising is needed.
Alleged 2002 ash dumping at Washington Township Park pond
Brian Britton says a 2002 video shows ash was dumped into the field next to the Washington Township park pond for eight months, with no liner or containment. Kids play there and people fish from the pond, and he's asking the county to order heavy metal testing immediately.
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.
Stormwater Concerns Regarding Shawnee Station Development
A Union Township resident says an undersized culvert at the Shawnee Station development backed water onto her property last spring, and she's been unable to get answers or a timeline for a fix. The county's development director agreed to investigate whether water management or building code violations apply.
Union Commons Living Conditions and Maintenance
Residents of Union Commons spoke out about severe mold, electrical issues, failing HVAC systems, and lack of responsiveness from property management and health inspectors.
Batavia Township to Village of Batavia Annexation
A 104-acre expedited annexation was approved by commissioners after the township missed its objection deadline. Firefighters and residents warned that overstretched local fire and EMS crews cannot handle the added housing and commercial development without failing.
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.
Union Commons Apartments Maintenance and Safety Concerns
Residents raised concerns about maintenance, cleanliness, and safety issues at the Union Commons apartment complex in Union Township, prompting discussion among commissioners about local jurisdiction involvement.
Big Indian Road Vacation Postponed
The commissioners initiated the statutory process to vacate a portion of Big Indian Road following a request from Washington Township trustees. The decision proceeded despite a pending court appeal filed by a property owner.
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.
Chapel Road Water Main Replacement Project
The county is replacing 7,700 feet of aging water main dating back to 1954 with new 12-inch pipe to improve service and reduce water main breaks.
Economic Development Strategic Plan
Community and Economic Development Director Chris McClintick presented a comprehensive review of the county's strong 2025 growth, highlighting industrial expansions, brownfield cleanups, housing studies, and strategic priorities for 2026.
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.
Housing Study Implementation and Growth Management
Residents advocated for increased county focus on affordable housing, sustainable shelter options, and resources for victims of domestic financial abuse.
Flock surveillance cameras removal petition
A Clermont County resident brought a petition to council demanding removal of Flock license-plate-reading cameras, turning a local meeting into a privacy-versus-public-safety debate. If you care about being tracked as you drive around town—or about how police catch criminals—this is one to watch.
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.
Clean Ohio Grant Application for Fix Property Conservation
John McManus from the Soil and Water Conservation District updated the board on major grant projects, including stream restoration on the Lower East Fork, dam removal in Bethel, and upcoming agricultural conservation grants.
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.
ADS Batavia Advanced Manufacturing CRA Agreement
The county approved a major 30-year property tax exemption to help land a massive advanced manufacturing facility in Williamsburg Township. This mega-project is expected to bring substantial capital investment and employment opportunities to the area.
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.
Data Center Development and Transparency
Residents expressed concerns about data center projects and the need for public transparency and involvement in local government decisions.
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.
Arrowhead Wastewater Treatment Plant Elimination Project
The county is moving forward with eliminating the Arrowhead wastewater plant in Miami Township by advertising for construction bids.
Spring Grove Road Bridge Rehabilitation
The county awarded a contract to rehabilitate the Spring Grove Road Bridge in Tate Township to improve local infrastructure safety.
County Roads and Bridges Annual Report
The county awarded a $3.74 million contract to John R. Jurgensen to pave and repair roads across various townships and municipalities.
Information Systems Department Update and Cybersecurity Compliance
ISD Director Chris Davis shared a recap of major county technology updates from last year, including upgrades to county security cameras, access control systems, phone systems, and county websites to meet ADA standards. The department is also working toward full cybersecurity compliance under Ohio House Bill 96.
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.
2026 Road Resurfacing Program and Electronic Bidding
The county awarded a $3.74 million contract to John R. Jurgensen to pave and repair roads across various townships and municipalities.
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.
Pepper Ridge Community Excavation and Environmental Concerns
Residents expressed alarm over unpermitted grubbing, tree removal, and grading in the Pepper Ridge community, warning of erosion, wind funneling, and impacts on high-tension power lines. Speakers urged local officials to address environmental and stability risks caused by clear-cutting a wooded hillside.
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.
Clermont County Park District Renewal Levy
The Park District is asking voters to renew its 0.5-mill levy on the May 5 ballot, which costs about $11 a year per $100,000 of home value. These funds support free park entry, maintenance, community grants, and capital projects like the new Sycamore Sundeck and suspension bridges.
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.
Water Bill Relief Policy and Bi-Monthly Billing
A landlord asked for financial relief after a hidden sump pump failure caused a massive $3,800 water bill. The board debated whether the county's bi-monthly billing cycle gives residents enough warning about leaks and ultimately voted to cut his bill in half.
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.
Senior Services Expansion and Transportation Grant
Clermont Senior Services reported serving more seniors in 2025 and announced a new grant to pilot extended weekday and Saturday transportation hours.
Digital Accessibility Compliance for County Website
The county contracted with Level Access, Inc. to monitor and remediate digital assets to meet new ADA requirements taking effect in April 2026.
Williamsburg Township Area 1 Community Reinvestment Area
The county created a new tax incentive zone in Williamsburg Township to encourage economic development and property investment.
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.
Building Department Staffing and Plan Review Backlogs
Clermont County is seeing record growth and building permits, but staffing shortages have left the building department stretched thin. To prevent long delays for builders and developers, the commissioners expanded a contract with private plan-review firm XPEX LLC to speed up reviews.
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.
Lucy Run Trunk Sewer Replacement & Wastewater Infrastructure
The county added a $3 million sewer replacement project to its capital improvement plan to fix a failing slope-damaged sewer line in Batavia Township, with 75% of the cost covered by federal grant funds.
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.
County Infrastructure and ARPA Fund Investments
The county invested $40 million in federal ARPA funds into essential infrastructure, including 40- to 50-year-old water main replacements in areas like Merwin 10 Mile and roadway safety improvements.
Election Results
Clermont County just wrapped up key city council and township trustee elections, and the winners will be making calls on local budgets, roads, and development for years. If you skimmed past the down-ballot races, this is the part that actually hits your commute, taxes, and neighborhood growth.