Clermont County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clermont County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
EPA meeting video transparency dispute
A Batavia Township resident says the EPA's local government advisory committee won't release a video of a September 25 meeting, leaving only a summary with gaps; she's filed a public records request with an answer expected by December 11. She also pressed Commissioner Painter on why he declined a media interview about the Zimmer landfill.
Orchard Valley Lift Station upgrade
The county is moving ahead with a lift station upgrade in Miami Township, advertising for bids with a December 10 opening.
Countywide transit study
Clermont County is getting its first transit study in 12-15 years, thanks to a fully grant-funded contract with Nelson Nygaard Consulting for up to $99,991 — aiming to improve how the county serves riders.
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.
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.
2026 Part 2 Landslides Project
The county engineer is bidding out three landslide repair projects on county roads to address slope failures.
Road Safety and Speed Limit Reduction
A resident raised concerns regarding dangerous driving conditions, high speeds, and large trucks on county roads like State Route 132 and State Route 222, requesting a public safety campaign.
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.
Village Dissolution Ballot Measure
A Clermont County village will ask voters whether to dissolve and fold into the surrounding township. If it passes, the township would take over local services, so the big question is whether that means lower costs or fewer services. It’s a local government shake-up worth watching if you live there.
Property Owner Petition for Road Improvements
Property owners on Deerfield Road and Parkfield Way petitioned the county for road improvements and a safety turn lane.
Whitmer Road Water Petition Project Cancellation
The county dropped plans for a water line extension on Whitmer Road after most property owners declined to support it, largely because some already had tap agreements and didn't want the assessment costs.
Clermont County Airport Master Plan Overview
Consultants presented the final airport master plan, which maps out future hangar space, runway extensions, and taxiway updates with an estimated $28.7 million price tag funded mostly by federal grants and private investment.
Stonelick Township to Owensville Annexation
A 9.9-acre property was successfully annexed into the village of Owensville to pave the way for a new development project, drawing discussion on zoning compatibility.
County Phone System and Tax Collection Call Volumes
Commissioners discussed phone system challenges in the treasurer's office during peak real estate tax collection periods, prompting the Information Systems Department to review configuration and potential technological updates.
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.
Water Tower Demolition and Maintenance
County water officials are evaluating and planning the demolition of unused reservoir water towers, such as the Williams Corner and Lewis Road towers, following power washing and cost analysis.
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.
Filager Phase II Facility Project
The county advanced an $11.5 million joint operational facility for the County Engineer and Facilities Management, reviewing environmental remediation and architectural designs before authorizing bids.
Kinsdale Stormwater District Creation and Utility Fees
The board established a new stormwater district and utility fee for the Kinsdale subdivision in Batavia Township to ensure long-term maintenance of private storm infrastructure.
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.
Blighted Properties and Infrastructure in Stonelick Township
Resident Anna Bach addressed the board regarding dilapidated properties, abandoned vehicles, and an unused, algae-covered water tower in Stonelick Township. Commissioners directed staff to assist her with water department and land bank resources.
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.
Combs Property Landfill Cleanup in Goshen Township
The county land bank is utilizing grants for environmental cleanup at the Combs property in Goshen Township to remove unstable structures and return the land to the tax rolls.
County Election Candidates
Clermont County voters have a lineup of candidates for county offices this cycle, and the Enquirer is breaking down who’s running for what. These races decide who controls county budgets, courts, and services—so it’s worth a skim before you vote.
Official Misconduct Trial
Milford’s former city manager is on trial, accused of trying to buy sex from a 15-year-old. If you live in Milford, this is a big deal because the person who once ran your local government is now facing serious criminal allegations.
Public Official Criminal Charges
The former Milford city manager has been accused of soliciting a minor, according to the Ohio Attorney General. It’s a serious criminal allegation tied to a City Hall leadership mess, so residents have a real stake in how it’s handled.
Village Council Dispute Over Dissolved Municipality
Amelia voted to dissolve its village government in 2019, but a fight over who still controls the leftover council is dragging on. That dispute is creating local headaches—likely legal costs and confusion over services—even though the village itself no longer exists.
Second Amendment Sanctuary
Clermont County has declared itself a Second Amendment sanctuary, a symbolic move meant to push back against possible state or federal gun control laws. It doesn’t change current law by itself, but it signals where county officials stand in the gun-rights debate.