Clermont County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clermont County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2026 Part 2 Landslides Project
The county engineer is bidding out three landslide repair projects on county roads to address slope failures.
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.
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.
Mental Health and Recovery Board Crisis Receiving Center Funding
The county has over $3.5 million in available opioid settlement funds. Commissioners discussed allocating $1.3 million annually as a lump sum through 2031 to support the operational budget of the planned Crisis Receiving Center.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Children's Protective Services Levy and Funding Crisis
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.
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.
Beckjord Site Coal Ash Contamination and Legal Action
The county approved a notice of intent to sue under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regarding coal ash contamination at the former Beckjord power plant site. Commissioners are acting to protect local well fields, warning that inaction could force the county to build a $30 million water treatment system.
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.
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.
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.