Clermont County Tea Party Local Government Report for May, 2011 by Faye Miller

May 2 – Worksession Mr. George Brown gave a report of the financial status of Clermont Senior Services and requested the approval from the Commissioners for placement of a 1.3 mill RENEWAL levy on the November ballot. This renewal levy will actually result in less revenue but Mr. Brown stated “ in consideration of the economic struggles many families are facing today, we believe the only fiscally responsible course to pursue is a renewal levy.” This will generate $33.00 per hundred thousand valuation and will NOT raise your property taxes. Senior Services continues to keep a tight rein on expenses resulting in expenses lower than in 2008, decreasing in 2009, 2010 and remaining steady in 2011. Fiscal responsibility seems to be in play at Senior Services!

An update on Clermont County self funded Health Plan was given. Many cost cutting measures are being addressed.

May 4 – Worksession 2011 Community Development Block Grant Projects were reviewed again. Administration, Fair Housing, Health District, Village of Bethel, Goshen Township, Village of New Richmond and Sirens for Moscow, Washington Twp and Goshen Twp. all in the running.

Solicitation of budgets from all departments are due in two weeks to meet ORC, Section 5705.28 (C)(1) with adoption on or before July 15 to be submitted to County Auditor by July 20 to meet ORC 5705.30.

Videoing of worksessions/meetings cost analysis has been down graded from $40,000 to $24,000 due to discussions and cost saving measures which include using the Commissioners meeting room with the addition of small work tables a different seating arrangements and the installation of necessary video equipment in this one room only. Fiscal responsibility at work !

May 9 – Worksession Five Year Budget Plan was discussed due to Commissioner Wilson’s consistence request fpr a budget. General revenue forecast for 2011= $50,630,157. 2012= $48,556,580 and increasing each year to 2016 = $53,005,522. BUT the cost of operations are increasing at a fast pace resulting in the necessity of using the “nest egg” to cover the increases and by 2016 the “nest egg” will have decreased by more than half. Fiscal responsibility and conservative choices are necessary when making expenditure decisions for the county!

May 11 – Commissioners Meeting – Resolutions 56-ll & 56-12 terminated Heisler Mills and Telford Farms TIF’s in Goshen Twp. Hooray for Goshen insisting on a re-visit to allow Goshen Twp to recoup their own tax money!

The adoption of Resolution 58-11 provided for Stephan Rabolt to act as Cty. Administrator in the absence of Dave Spinney until a new assistant administrator can be hired. This due to the retirement of Scott Lahmer.

Due to Commissioner’s vacations and myself feeling under the weather, I did not attend any other meetings for the month of May. You can view the agendas and minutes on the Clermont County Commissioners website at:

www.clermontcountyohio.gov