Property Taxes Due Feb. 12, 2025

BATAVIA, OHIO (Jan. 24, 2025) – Clermont County real estate taxes for the first half of the year are due Feb. 12, 2025.

Treasurer Jeannie M. Zurmehly mailed out approximately 54,000 tax bills Jan. 17.

Taxes can be paid by mail or in person at the Treasurer’s Office on the second floor of the County Administration Building, 101 E. Main Street, Batavia, from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.  Taxes may also be paid by credit card or e-check via www.clermonttreasurer.org.

In addition, a night deposit is located at the Main Street entrance of the Administration Building for payment of taxes after hours.

Taxpayers with questions may call 513-732-7254 or email Treasurer@clermontcountyohio.gov.

Commissioner Batchler Appointed First VP of OKI Board for 2025

Cincinnati (Jan. 9, 2025) – The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) Board of Directors approved on Jan. 9 the appointment of the board and officers to lead the organization in 2025, with Josh Gerth, Anderson Township Trustee, leading the board as president.

Clermont County Commissioner Bonnie Batchler will serve as first vice president.

“Since joining the OKI Board a decade ago, I have been in awe of the collaborative approach of the over 100 OKI board members to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of the region we call home,” said Gerth, who is starting his first term as president of the agency.

“It’s a rare sight to see a diverse group of people with different political backgrounds and viewpoints come together so effectively and make decisions. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with my fellow board members in my new role,” Gerth said. “OKI is a national model for how a metropolitan planning organization can transform a region.”

The following OKI officers will serve a one-year term:

• President: Josh Gerth, Anderson Township Trustee
• First Vice President: Bonnie Batchler, Clermont County Commissioner
• Second Vice President: Mark Jeffreys, Cincinnati Councilmember
• Treasurer: Kenneth F. Reed, Resident At-Large Member
• Past President: Gary W. Moore, Boone County Judge/Executive
• Secretary: Mark R. Policinski, OKI CEO

Pictured left to right: OKI board members Mark Jeffreys, Bonnie Batchler, Josh Gerth

Pictured left to right: OKI board members Mark Jeffreys, Bonnie Batchler, Josh Gerth

OKI’s Board of Directors has 118 members, including many elected officials. OKI is federally mandated and provides $40 million to $80 million in transportation funds annually to construction and planning projects across its eight-county, three-state region. The counties are Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton in Kentucky; and Dearborn in Indiana.

OKI is a council of local governments, business organizations and community groups committed to developing collaborative strategies, plans and programs to improve the quality of life and economic development throughout the tri-state.

Commissioner Painter Elected CCAO President for 2025

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Jan. 10, 2025) – The County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) is pleased to announce the election of Clermont County Commissioner David Painter as the 2025 president of the CCAO Board of Directors. In this leadership role, Painter will guide the association’s efforts to advance key policy priorities, including enhancing children’s services, improving childcare access, funding indigent defense, supporting jail projects, and implementing Next Gen 9-1-1. These initiatives align with CCAO’s commitment to fostering stronger counties for a stronger Ohio.

“It is a tremendous honor to be elected as the 2025 president of CCAO,” said Commissioner Painter. “I am excited to lead our association as we work collaboratively to strengthen Ohio’s counties. The state-county partnership is more critical than ever in delivering essential services such as justice and public safety, childcare, and infrastructure improvements. Together, we can achieve lasting progress for the residents of Ohio.”

Commissioner Painter has been an active member of the CCAO Board of Directors since 2021, serving on the General Government and Operations Committee and the Taxation and Finance Committee. His election as president took place on December 5 during the CCAO Annual Business Meeting, where his colleagues recognized his dedication to public service.

“Commissioner Painter has demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout his tenure on the CCAO board,” said Cheryl Subler, CCAO Executive Director. “I look forward to working with him to address our shared priorities and strengthen the vital partnership between the state and Ohio’s counties. His experience and vision will be an asset as we continue to build a brighter future for our counties.”

CCAO represents Ohio’s 88 counties’ commissioners, executives and county council members, advocating for policies and resources that empower counties to provide critical services and improve residents’ quality of life. For more information about CCAO and its initiatives, visit www.ccao.org.

Board of Clermont County Commissioners Reorganization for 2025

BATAVIA, OHIO (Jan. 8, 2025) – The Board of Clermont County Commissioners held its annual reorganization meeting Jan. 8, to nominate and vote on its leadership for the new calendar year as well as establish the dates and times for its regular session meetings.

The board voted to approve David Painter as president, Bonnie Batchler as vice president, and Claire Corcoran as member.

Pictured left to right above: 2025 Clermont County Board of County Commissioners Claire Corcoran, David Painter, Bonnie Batchler

Pictured left to right: 2025 Clermont County Board of County Commissioners Claire Corcoran, David Painter, Bonnie Batchler

In addition, the board approved the following regular session meeting dates to be held on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. in 2025:

  • Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29
  • Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26
  • March 5, 12, 19 and 26
  • April 2, 9 16, 23 and 30
  • May 7, 14, 21
  • June 4, 11, 18 and 25
  • July 9, 16, 23 and 30
  • Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27
  • Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24
  • Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
  • Nov. 12 and 19
  • Dec. 10 and 17

There will be seven regular sessions held on Mondays, which will begin at 10:00 a.m.:

  • Jan. 6 (rescheduled to Jan. 8 due to weather-related closure)
  • Feb. 10
  • March 10
  • March 24
  • April 14
  • Nov. 3
  • Dec. 1

Please note: No meetings are scheduled for the weeks with the following holidays: Memorial Day, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Early Closures for Friday, Jan. 10, 2025

BATAVIA, OHIO (Jan. 10, 2025) – The following county courts are closing early today, Jan. 10, due to the winter weather advisory now in effect. Forecasters are calling for several inches of snow to begin later this afternoon.

  • Juvenile and Probate Courts: 12 p.m. closure
  • Common Pleas and Domestic Courts: 2 p.m. closure

No other county offices have announced early closures. Please check back for updates.

Updated as of 11:45 a.m. Jan. 10, 2025.

 

Reopen Status for Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025

BATAVIA, OHIO – County offices and departments that are confirmed open Tuesday, Jan. 7:

  • Board of County Commissioners administrative office
  • Board of Elections
  • Public Health
  • Auditor
  • Treasurer
  • Prosecutor’s office
  • Public Defender
  • Courts: Common Pleas (+law library), Domestic, Probate, Juvenile, Municipal

Please call ahead or check individual office websites for those not listed.

Updated as of 10:30 a.m. Jan. 7, 2025.

###

 

Mental Health and Recovery Board Receives $1 Million Grant to Support a Crisis Receiving Center

BATAVIA OH — The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board has received a $1 million grant to support its efforts to help fight addiction by delivering needed crisis services, Dr. Lee Ann Watson, the Executive Director of the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board announced.

The grant from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation will go toward increasing access to behavioral health services by providing a no-wrong door access point for Clermont residents experiencing a behavioral health crisis, Dr. Watson said.

“While our Board has recognized that the lack of a Crisis Receiving Center has been a major gap in the behavioral health continuum of care in Clermont County for many years, we have simply not had the funding to address the need,” said Dr. Watson. “The OneOhio funding Recovery Foundation grant will allow us to meet this vital need in Clermont County.”

The grant is part of an inaugural round of approximately $51 million in funding made available by the Foundation as part of its mission to combat the opioid epidemic by supporting prevention, treatment and recovery programs and services in our communities. The grant money was funded by 55 percent of settlement funds that Ohio is receiving from the pharmaceutical industry as a consequence of its role in the national opioid epidemic.

 The grant received by the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting organizations on the frontlines of the addiction epidemic by advancing efforts that foster more resilient, healthier communities across Ohio.

“Across Ohio, organizations like the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board are working day in and day out to strengthen their communities that have been impacted by the opioid epidemic,” said Alisha Nelson, Executive Director of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board to support their efforts to save lives, rebuild families affected by addiction, and foster strong and resilient places to live,” Nelson added.

The recipients announced as part of the Foundation’s first grant cycle were chosen after a robust review process that included evaluation by the local OneOhio Regional Board, the OneOhio Expert Panel and the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Grant recipients have demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the opioid crisis. The funded initiatives are evidenced-based and align with Ohio’s approved abatement strategies, including prevention, recovery supports, services for impacted families and children, and many more.

A complete list of recipients can be found at OneOhioFoundation.com/GrantAwards.

The Foundation had an overwhelming response to the 2024 Regional Grant application process, with more than a half-billion dollars in funding requests submitted for the $51 million available this cycle. Organizations and leaders seeking to submit applications in the future can sign up on the Foundation’s website here to receive updates.

About the OneOhio Recovery Foundation

The OneOhio Recovery Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation created under the leadership of Gov. Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost, and other state and local leaders, with the mission of advancing Ohio’s addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts now and into the future.

The Foundation is governed by a 29-member board from across Ohio and is funded by 55 percent of settlement funds that Ohio is receiving from the pharmaceutical industry as a consequence of its role in the national opioid epidemic. Funds support local efforts to prevent and combat addiction and are also invested to support those efforts for the long term.

Clermont County Announces Upcoming Solicitations for Consultant to Manage Animal Shelter and a Contract for Kennel Expansion

Editor’s note: Due to a publishing error by the newspaper of record, the original deadline dates have been updated in the following release.

BATAVIA, OHIO (Dec. 11, 2024) – Clermont County officials today announced an upcoming solicitation for proposals to hire a consultant to manage the animal shelter as well as a request for bids to expand outdoor kennel capacity and new volunteer policies and procedures.

“These recommendations are part of a comprehensive plan to improve our physical facilities and daily operations to ensure our dogs continue to receive top-quality care,” said Angie Livesay, Deputy Assistant County Administrator and Acting Kennel Administrator.

Livesay outlined the recommendations to the Board of Clermont County Commissioners during its regular meeting Wednesday, Dec. 11. The board voted unanimously to approve the recommendations for the bid proposals.

Under the proposed new management structure, all current and future staff at the shelter will remain county employees. The consultant would provide a contracted resident management team for daily operations under the policy direction of the commissioners.

Livesay, a longtime county employee, was appointed by the commissioners to serve full time as Acting Kennel Administrator in July 2024.

“We value the input we’ve received from Angie and community members in recent months,” said Board President David L. Painter. “We are moving in a direction that we think will enhance the management capabilities of the shelter.”

The county has successfully used specialized professional service contracts to manage operations in other divisions in the past, Painter added.

View the legal notice of the “Request for Proposals for Clermont County Dog Kennel Management.” Proposals are due Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

In addition, the county announced that it is advertising a request for bids from contractors to expand the shelter’s outdoor kennel capacity to add 61 kennels up from the current 23. View the legal notice for the expansion project. Proposals are due Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.

Livesay also recommended a comprehensive update to the shelter’s policy for volunteers. Painter told Livesay the board would review the policy and vote on it at the Dec. 18 meeting.

“Our volunteers are an important part of helping us care for our dogs,” Livesay said. “These updated policies and procedures will more clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of our volunteers and our shelter staff, which will help us improve our overall operations.”

A copy of the policy will be posted on the county’s website once it is finalized and approved by the commissioners.

About the Clermont County Kennel
The Clermont County Kennel is a no-kill, government-run shelter that provides a safe, caring place for stray, lost and neglected dogs. Our mission is to reunite lost pets with their owners, reduce the number of homeless dogs in our community, offer adoption services and serve as a resource for the public about responsible pet ownership and pet care.

The shelter takes in an average 800 dogs a year. The facility includes 10,752 square feet of indoor kennel, medical and office space as well as 7,545 square feet of outdoor kennel and play area spaces on its campus at 4025 Filager Road, Batavia, Ohio, 45103.

Seeking Candidates in the Community to Serve on the Clermont County Library Board

BATAVIA, OHIO (Nov. 21, 2024) – The Clermont County Common Pleas Court is looking a member of the community to fill a vacancy on the Clermont County Library Board of Trustees. The term of the appointment runs January 2025 through December 2031.

Requirements for Trustees

  • Must be a registered voter in Clermont County
  • Serves without compensation
  • Able to attend monthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the third Monday (typically held at the Miami Township Library location)

Preferred Experience

  • In the interest of a balanced Board, candidates with financial planning/budgeting or an accounting background are desired

How to Apply

  • Candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Clermont County Common Pleas Court, c/o Court Administrator, 270 East Main Street, Batavia, Ohio 45103

Deadline

  • Applications due Dec. 20, 2024

About the Clermont County Public Library
With 10 branches throughout the county, the Clermont County Public Library is governed by a seven-member board of trustees appointed by the Board of Clermont County Commissioners and Judges of the Common Pleas Court. The board, in turn, hires the library director who implements policies and monitors operations.

Clermont County to Receive $2.5 million State Grant to Clean Up Illegal Dump Site in Goshen Township

BATAVIA, OHIO (Nov. 19, 2024) – The Ohio Department of Development has awarded the Clermont County Land Bank nearly $2.5 million in grant funding to clean up an illegal dump site on seven adjacent acres along State Route 28 in Goshen Township.

Piles of waste totaling 6,000 tons include construction materials, tires and other debris that tower more than 20 feet high in spots. The Land Bank expects to commence its cleanup of the site in early 2025 and subsequently prepare it for redevelopment.

The grant, funded through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, includes a local match by the Land Bank and Goshen Township.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency cleaned up a related, illegal dump site on nearby Parker Road this past June. That cleanup included the removal of 1,700 tons of material. The property was later sold at a foreclosure auction.

“These dump sites have a long history of environmental violations and legal battles,” said Jeannie M. Zurmehly, Board Chair of the Clermont County Land Bank and Clermont County Treasurer.  “Once the asbestos contamination and other environmental damage is fully remediated on the State Route 28 property, we will be able to move forward and transform this area of Goshen Township to a more productive use.”

State, county and township efforts to clean up the illegal dump sites date back 16 years. The Clermont County Health Department first issued orders on the State Route 28 property in 2008.

The Parker Road property and two of the three parcels on State Route 28 were previously owned by Donald W. Combs. The other parcel is in foreclosure.

Read more about the history of the illegal dump sites.

News of Clermont County’s grant award was part of an announcement by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine outlining the state’s most recent round of funding for demolition and brownfield remediation projects. In this round, the state awarded more than $55 million. Funding comes from the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program and Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program.

Clermont County’s brownfield grant is the second major award for the Land Bank in the past month. The state awarded the Land Bank $4.4 million in October to fund the demolition of 46 abandoned and blighted buildings. It was the Land Bank’s single largest cash infusion since it began operation in 2022.

“This is another significant award for us,” said Desmond Maaytah, Executive Director of the Land Bank. “We’re excited to put this combined funding to work. It’s going to fuel a tremendous number of positive improvements countywide in 2025.”

About the Clermont County Land Bank
The Board of County Commissioners established the Land Bank to remediate distressed properties, enhance safety and improve the quality of life for local communities. The Land Bank has demolished nearly 30 blighted residential, commercial and industrial properties since it began operation in July 2022, transforming vacant, abandoned and tax-delinquent properties into productive community assets.

The Land Bank’s Board of Directors includes Clermont County Treasurer Jeannie Zurmehly (chair), Commissioner David Painter (vice chair), Commissioner Bonnie Batchler, and Jeff Baumgarth, Vice President, The Myers Y. Cooper Co.