Clermont County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clermont County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
Zimmer Power Plant Environmental Concerns and Odors
Residents of Moscow and Batavia Township keep pressing the county over testing at the Zemmer property. Southwest Ohio Air Quality Control tested air near their home on October 28 and found hydrogen sulfide at 35.5 and 38.23 parts per billion — above health standards. They say the county should use its Ohio Revised Code authority to test without Vistra's permission.
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.
Water and Wastewater 5-Year Capital Improvement Plans
Two contracts will keep the county's water and wastewater computer models current, helping staff size and prioritize new water mains and feeding into master plans coming next year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.