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/ .
Clermont County Township Report for June 7, 2011
2 minute report…
Goshen Township - The Township was awarded a Community Block Grant to install a severe weather siren. Right now Goshen Township only has one siren. With this grant, they will be able to add a second one and will continue to seek funding to add as many as eight to cover the township. Block Grants are awarded by HUD (Housing and Urban Development).
Jackson Township – The all volunteer fire department was awarded a federal grant from FEMA in the amount of $432,297 to purchase new fire equipment. Some matching funds were required by the township.
Miami Township – Miami Township will hold a work session on June 13th.
Pierce Township – Police Chief James T. Smith was placed on sick leave. Officers in the police department saw Chief Smith having relations with the Law Director Frances Kelly and complained that it was inappropriate. Smith’s future will be decided at the June 14th meeting.
Union Township – Former Trustee and Administrator Doug Walker may be facing more charges. The state Auditor announced more financial irregularaties. Clermont County Prosecutor Don White will ask the Grand Jury to indict Walker on more charges. Current Fiscal Officer Ron Campbell was fiscal officer during these irregularities. Also current Trustees Matt Beamer and Bob McGee agreed to grant Walker a lucritive severence package when they terminated Walker.
The trustees also voted to transfer 5 land parcels between the police department and Veterans Park to the Union Township CIC. The Union Township CIC board is made up of township trustees and other township officials.
Union Township meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
For more information on townships go www.cctownship.org
Township History – With the apporval of the Land Ordinance of 1785, Townships were formed in Ohio in order to organize and sell land to new settlers. Townships were supposed to be square with each side of the square to measure 6 miles in length. The township was then to be divided into 36 sections. Section 16 in each township was to be reserved for a public school. Certain sections were also to be set aside to be purchased by Revolutionary War veterans.Chapter 503 of the Ohio Revised Code was created to describe powers and duties of townships.
John McGraw
May, 2011 Federal & State Subcommittee Report by Roger Baxter - 6/6/11
Note: Due to the protracted Memorial day holiday, combined with constituent time, little was actually completed in May. Good news. The less governments do – at all levels – the less harm there is to our Republic.
Federal.
On 5/25, the Senate defeated both the Ryan budget (57-42) and the Obama budget (97-0).
On 5/26, The house passed the defense appropriations bill, including several Republican amendments.
On 5/31, the debt ceiling increase was defeated in the House. Unfortunately, this turkey will be back. We must be watching to make sure that the Republican “leadership” gets a commensurate level of spending cuts to accompany the increase in the ceiling.
State
On 5/26, HB93, the prescription pill abuse action was signed into law by Kasich.
Other than that, there were only a few minor appointments to report.
Governor Kasich and the house are still attempting to change the rules around the taxation of the casinos that were approved last year by constitutional amendment. They now have a consulting company studying how to apply the Commercial Activity Tax to the casinos. Lawsuits to follow.
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April, 2011 Federal & State Subcommittee Reportby Roger Baxter 5/1/11
Note: Due to rather lengthy recess (vacation) periods not much was accomplished in April. This is a good thing. The less governments do – at all levels – the less harm there is to our Republic.
Federal.
On 4/2 the Republicans announced a 2012 budget that would cut spending by $4++ Trillion – over ten years. The only problem here is that the level of cuts would only reduce the GROWTH of the debt, not actually reduce any of it. Depending on who you read, the 2021 debt would be between $21 and 28 Trillion, if this is all we can do. The 2012 budget needs the $4 Trillion in cuts in two years, not ten. The budget by Paul Ryan was passed by the house, but has gone nowhere since.
On 4/5 the senate passed the bill repealing the expanded 1099 (IRS Form) requirements in Obamacare. Obama signed it into law on 4/15.
On 4/14, the house and senate passed the Continuing Resolution that “cut” spending by an alleged $38.5 Billion for the balance of FY11 (ending September). It was signed by Obama. Unfortunately, once the smoke and mirrors were removed, the actual reductions were a paltry $352 Million – a few hours worth of spending.
State
** The state employee unions had their petition to challenge SB5 approved, and they are in the process of gathering signatures. There is little doubt that the repeal of SB5 will be on the November ballot. Get educated on the topic so that you can formulate cogent arguments at www.sb5truth.com.
On 4/6, the senate passed the “Viability Bill”, which would essentially eliminate abortions for anyone that was twenty or more weeks pregnant. No house action, yet.
On 4/13, HB36, which adds two additional calamity days, along with modified make up options for schools was signed into law.
Governor Kasich was sued over the constitutionality of HB1 – the “Jobs Ohio” structure.
Governor Kasich and the house are attempting to change the rules around the taxation of the casinos that were approved last year by constitutional amendment. They want to apply the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) to every dollar wagered, as opposed to the current level of gross wagers minus payouts (gambler wins). Lawsuits to follow.
Clermont County Township Report for May 3rd, 2011
By John McGraw
Goshen Township – Fire fighters are to receive new gear paid for from revenue from EMS billing.
Miami Township – Police can now record crash reports electronically. This is a test program using lap tops and software in the police cruisers. The next Miami Township trustee meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at the Miami Township Civic Center, 6101 Meijer Drive.
Union Township – There is a new grant program being administered by the Union Township CIC for Mt. Carmel businesses. Meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
Limited Home Rule – A little information on Limited home rule – State Rules passed in 1991, gives a Township expanded powers normally associated with a county or city such as ability, by resolution to establish a water and sewer district, hire an engineer, requires the establishment of a police department or a contract for one, requires a law director, they can adopt building codes, impose civil fines, allows for local referendums on the ballot, not meant to be a revenue enhancing tool but to allow for local standards and the ability to impose fines. Unless waived by a majority of trustees, resolutions must be read at 2 separate meetings.
For more information on townships go www.cctownship.org
Clermont Local Government Report for Clermont Tea Party meeting May 3, 2011 – By Faye Miller
All documents are available for viewing by any interested party after the meeting – see Faye
April WorkSession - * !5 applications with plans for Community Block Grant Allocation Program (CDBG) 150 plus page report(s) and plans
April 4 WorkSession – * Presentation of the Capital Plan for 2011-2015 5 page report
* Office of Technology, Communications & Security Plan of Work Units for 2011
12 page report
April 6 WorkSession – * Video Streaming Plan at $40,000.00 plus 10 page report
* Cler.Cty.General Fund 1st Quarter 2011 Revenue Status & Potential Impact from Ohio State Budget Report 14 page report
April 6 Commissioners Meeting - * Item 10 Vote to consider proposed amendment to the Water Management Sediment Control Regulations with two public hearings:
May 4 at 2:00 pm and May 11 at 2:00 in the Administration Bldg, 3rd floor
meeting room. Public comment is wanted.
April 8 Transportation Improvement District meeting - * Business 28 and Pleasant Hill Wolfpen improve-
ments are moving forward. Expect traffic delays all summer.
April 11 WorkSession – * Five Year Waterworks and Wastewater Systems Capital Improvement Plans
were presented and adopted as Item 13 at the April 27 Commissioners meeting. 112 page report with maps
* A new Assigned Counsel Fee Schedule was requested by the Clermont Cty. Bar Assoc. and reviewed with a reasonable estimated increase of $10 to $15 Thousand annual cost. Fees have not been increased since 1997. This was adopted as Item 16 at the April 13 th Commissioners meeting.
8 page report
April 18 WorkSession - * Summary of the County Capital Funds was given along with a County Debt
Summary 18 page report
April 20 Commissioners Meeting - * Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Grant was
Adopted as Item 16 providing $22,600.00 to Ohio State University Extension Services ( 4-H) and $2400.00 to Clermont Soil & Water.
* Items 17 & 18 were the elimination of two TIFs, Westbrook & Lakefield Place in Goshen township allowing the taxes returned to Goshen Twp.
April 20 WorkSession - * Criminal Justice Update discussed current & active projects/outcomes, issues
with pending legislation, future initiatives & focus of the Justice Co-ordina-
ting Council 23 page report
April 27 Clermont County CIC meeting – * Reports concerning the IRG (Ford Plant Development) and
an Ivy Pointe schedule for re-payment of $2million to the county general fund.
April 27 WorkSession - * Warren County Sewer Agreement was discussed, tabled for more information
and discussion. 5 page report and map
* Radio Communications System – Additional discussion with the conclusion
by all three Commissioners to instruct Steve Rabolt to begin the planning process for the $ 10 million upgrade. 1 page report addendum to previous handouts from the April 4th worksession.
* Additional monetary information on Clermont Cty TID, Long Term Debt, Capital Improvement Fund Scenario and County Capital Funds were presented as per Commissioner Wilson’s request. 7 pages
The following report was written by Faye Miller, summarizing highlights of various local government meetings. Click here for the March 2011 pdf document.
Local County Government Report for March – 2011 - by Faye Miller
March 2 Work Session 10:00 am
Proposed changes to the Water Management & Sediment Control Regulations
were discussed but no formal actions from the Commissioners as of yet.
March 9 Commissioners Meeting ( Humphries absent)
Re. Item 9 - Amendment #4 to contract between Brown & Clermont/Multi-County
Juvenile Detention Center guarantee of two beds at $95.00 per day and any in excess of those two beds based on availability at $101.00 per day.
March 10 Work Session 10:00 am
Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Foundation made known the availability of a $25000.00 grant to be used only for OSUExtension or Soil/Water. Discussions lend to giving $2400 to Soil/Water for the Smart Balance program and the remaining $ 22600.00 to OSUE for 4-H, horticulture and family programs.
Announcement of new board members appointed to the County Planning Commission.
TID budget for 2011 was undated to $ 27,072,283.
Radio Communications System discussion began for an upgrade at the $10 million level. This upgrade will eventually cause expenses upon all local levels of emergency service.
CIC – Discussions on how the CIC has been unmonitored for too long, Commissioners now all sitting on the CIC and meetings are now open. Commissioner Wilson asked for a CIC meeting which was then scheduled for March 16 at 9:00 am.
March 16 CIC meeting – 9:00 am
New officers: Pres.- Ed Humphries, VPres.- Chris Smith, Sec.- Dave Spinney,
Treasurer- Andy Kuchta
Re-pymt to the General Fund in amount of $ 424,717.00 from 12-30-10 sale of land to KAO Ivy Point-Two LLC.
$ 4668.75 payment authorized to Kegler Brown Hill & Ritter for legal services rendered related to a Funding Participation Agreement with Union Twp (Inv# 532428)
Commissioner Wilson asked Administrator Spinney to provide a summary of monies from and back to General funds from CIC to bring him up to an understanding level of past contracts/payments.
After much discussion of correspondence received from Charles Kubicki requesting deferral of a due payment a decision to have the attorney for CIC send a letter stating no deferral would be allowed; payment due.
(page 2 - March 2011 County Report)
Commissioner Wilson also questioned the Jungle Jim transaction with Union Twp stating a current audit might prove a poor loan risk. Disappointed more research hadn’t been done prior to entering the current contract and wanted that contract reviewed by the Prosecutor’s office.
March 16 Work Session – 10:00 am
Further discussion took place on the need for more jail beds. Direction was given by Commissioner Wilson to get this on the docket of the Commissioner Agenda that day. Item 27 appeared on the agenda at the 1:00 session and approved for the opening of 32 additional beds.
Office of Public Information presented proposal for a $40 thousand upgrade and was received favorably with further bids to be presented at later date.
March 16 Commissioners Meeting
Re. Item 12 - The Planning Dept and the Economic Dev. Dept were combined into the Dept. of Community & Economic Development. Andy Kuchta, Director and two vacant planners positions cut from system.
Re. Item 25 - The acceptance of a Resolution from the Prosecutor’s office
adopting the practice of an invocation being given prior to the start of Commissioner’s meetings. Local ministers will be invited to participate.
Re. Items 17 & 18 – Resolution # 30-11 to recover funds for failed performance and maintenance bonds from White Farm Development, LLC for $40,000.00 and $ 2330.00 respectively on behalf of the Clermont County Commissioners for construction and/or maintenance activities required for the completion of said projects uncompleted.
March 23 Commissioners Meeting ( Proud absent)
Re. Item 8 - Approval of the purchase thru Speedway Pre-Paid Card LLC in the amount of $24,996.90 for 1377 cards at $10 value for use by “customers” of Dept of Job & Family Services in need of transportation assistance and 1200 cards of $10 value for use by “customers” of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
Re. Item 10 - Execution of SFY 2012 Ohio Dept of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services Treatment & Recovery Program Grant #13-2960-TASC-O-11-9178 in the amount of
(page 3 - March 2011 County Report)
$172,931.00 with a local cash match of $28, 500.00 provided from the general fund bringing total to $201,431.00.
Re. Item 14 - Execution of Program for Subgrant # 2010-JG-A01-6250 from Ohio Dept of Public Safety Office of Criminal Justice Services to Cler Cty Drug Unit in the amount of $85,500.00 with local match of $28,500.00 for a total of $ 114,000.00.
March 28 Work Session 10:00 am
Lengthy discussion on the Water and Sewer Rate/Fee Study and Unit Plans of Work
2010 customers at 40,616 Operation & maintenance cost for 2011 projected to be $ 8.11 million. Growth rate of new customers has decreased from 3% to 1%. All records are now on GIS which allows for faster breaks & shut-offs. Minimum reserve will be tapped out in 2015 if no rate increase is put in place.
March 30 Work Session 10:00 am
Capital Plan was the main topic of discussion with multiple handouts. Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Foundation Grant was discussed again with the same outcome: $2400.00 to Soil/Water and $ 22600.00 to OSU Extension Service. Scot Lahrmer to write the grant with some flexibility included.
A Planning Commission position is open for appointment.
March 30 Commissioners Meeting
Proclamation given for “National County Government Month” in Clermont County recognizing the theme of “Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces and Their Families”
40,000 Clermont County veterans or their family members are being served at this time.
Re. Item 11 – Clermont County Municipal Court/Adult Probation Department grants received for $108,861.00 and $104,566.00 with no local match needed thru Community Corrections Act 408 Jail Diversion Programs. Monies are used for the existing Ohio award winning programs for probation in lee of jail, providing road side clean-up, various tasks about the County buildings and programs which attempt to change behavior patterns and provide mentors.
Clermont County Township Report for April 5, 2011
by John McGraw, Bob Turner & Stuart Kennedy
Batavia Township: A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held March 30 at the Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co.’s parts distribution center at 4225 Curliss Lane. The site formerly was owned by Georgia Pacific. The Batavia Township facility includes 21 acres of land with a 243,000-square-foot warehouse, a 10,000-square-foot office, 24 dock doors and parking spaces for 36 trailers.
Union Township: Congresswoman Jean Schmidt officially moved into her new rent free Union Township office on March 24. Rep. Schmidt’s staff will have office hours from 9 a.m. to noon every Tuesday and Thursday, or by appointment.
Doug Walker, former Union Township Trustee has been indicted since our last monthly meeting for the actions reported on by the Channel 12 report we watched last month. Walker, 67, faces up to nine years in prison and fines of up to $30,000 if found guilty of six charges, Prosecutor Don White said. The charges against Walker, a Republican, resulted from a lengthy investigation by the FBI and the Ohio Ethics Commission.
Union Township will be holding a work session about the Mt. Carmel business district on Thursday, April 7 at 10 AM. Volunteers should attend to see what is being discussed.
Union Township is also selling some property between the police station and Veterans Memorial Park to a developer for a retirement community. On the plans on display at the Civic Center it says Union Township is the owner of the development. When asked at a Trustee meeting if there was going to be any economic development money flowing on this Matt Beamer did not entirely answer the question.
Goshen Township: The department recently received a grant from The Office of Criminal Justice Services for a new radio and 12 batteries for the radios the department already has.The grant covers the $5,900 it cost to purchase the radio and extra batteries, but it also requires a 10-percent match from the township, Goshen Township Trustee Bob Hausermann said without the grant, the township would not have been able to afford the new radio or extra batteries. The next Goshen Township trustee meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at the Goshen Township Government Center, 6757 Goshen Road.
Miami Township: From Bob Turner - The trustees are moving forward with road widening projects on Old State Rt. 28 and Wolfpen Pleasant Rd. These will be made into 5 and 3 lane roads respectively. Also, sidewalks are being added to some of the major roads to increase "walk ability" in the township core.
Funds for all of this are coming from the county, the state, the federal government and also from TIF funds.
Also The Clermont County Transportation Improvement District (CCTID), in cooperation with the Clermont County Engineer’s Office, Miami Township, and the Ohio Department of Transportation have invited Citizens who live, work and travel along the U.S. 50 corridor between the Interstate 275 interchange and Techne Center Drive in Miami Township to attend a public meeting from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at Tata Consultancy Services, 1000 Summit Drive in Miami Township, to discuss possible improvements to the roadway.
New Richmond Township - There will not be a 15th township in Clermont County. The Board of Clermont County Commissioners voted to deny a petition from the village of New Richmond, requesting that the village separate from Ohio and Pierce Townships, forming their own separate township.
March, 2011 Federal & State Subcommittee Report - Prepared By Roger Baxter & Thea ShoemakeTo Download a pdf version of the following report, click HERE. 4/1/2011 (No hidden April Fools entries.)
**We forgot to report last month that the State Central Committee unanimously voted for Kevin DeWine - who organized against nearly every Tea Party member running in a primary - to continue as Chairman of the Ohio GOP…no State Central Committee member notified anyone of this vote or asked how we would like them to vote as has been done in the past, even when there wasn’t any opposition to the role.
Federal
Despite a lot of talk, and political feints from both sides, not a lot was actually accomplished during the month.
On 3/3, the House voted 314-112 to repeal the 1099 reporting requirement in Obamacare. Unfortunately, the Senate has not yet taken this up, but there does appear to be broad support there, too.
On 3/7, the entire state of Maine was granted a waiver to Obamacare. What is up with that?
On 3/9, HR1 (the budget bill) was voted down in the Senate.
On 3/15. The House passed a Continuing Resolution containing a $10B in savings. This went through the Senate on 3/17, and was signed by Obama on 3/18. Please keep in mind that $10B is worth less than 3 days of borrowing, at current levels.
On 3/17, the house voted to de-fund NPR 228-192. An almost pure party line vote. Don’t expect this one to go any farther.
We are still waiting on the latest budget negotiations. The fear is that Republican leadership will cave in.
State
There was a lot more action at the state level.
On 3/2, the Senate passed SB5, the bargaining bill, by 17/16 – a narrow margin. It took until 3/30 for the bill to be passed by the House, and the amendments to be re-approved by the Senate. It was finally signed into law by Kasich on the evening of 3/31. Those against these crucial improvements are gathering signatures as we speak to put a referendum on the November ballot that would nullify the new law.
Though there are many, some significant takeaways are as follows:
[Taxpayer-funded] state & local governments are no longer forced to facilitate the transfer of political contributions from government employees to their unions on the taxpayers watch/dime.
Written consent is now required for automatic PAC deductions (from paychecks)
The law prohibits “fair share fees” (80% of regular union dues in Ohio) as a requirement to be a non-union member w/in an employee organization
a. In other words, they can opt out of the union w/o being financially punished.
The Law prohibits the use of ticket-based quotas to determine performance.
Decertification petitions now require 30% vs. 50% making it easy to decertify.
Joe Uecker may be at the meeting if anyone has any specific questions.
On 3/4 the “Common Sense Initiative” was signed into law.
On 3/8, Kasich stated that there would be no $51.8 M in funding for the Cincinnati Streetcar. This was confirmed by Wade (Transportation) on 3/23. Unfortunately, Cincinnati is not listening. They are now looking at “Trolley Buses” instead.
On 3/15 Debe Terhar (Pronounced Tar-har like “hard” without the “d”) of the Green Twp. Tea Party was elected as the new president of the State Board of Education, in a 10-9 vote.
On 3/17, State Superintendent of Schools, Deborah Delisle, was forced out, effective 4/30. I have no idea whether this is good or a bad thing.
On 3/23, the Voter ID bill, which requires a driver’s license (or similar identification) was passed by the house 57-38. This is in keeping with bills and laws in other states that seek to overturn the instant voting that has been pushed by Acorn (and similar groups) for years.
Health Care Petition Update by Jane Brandt
April HealthCare and Action Committee update for Bethel Tate, Miami Township, Jackson Township, and Southern Hills Tea Party Meetings
Health Care Initiative still needs 150,000 signatures across the State.
Huge push since Unions is gathering signatures to put SB5 on the ballot in November.
Unions and families will be out to vote in Nov.
Need some personal issue to drive the conservative vote…..Health care is that issue
Conservatives must come out to vote, both against SB5 and for the Health care amendment
Senate has passed the SJR2, but House needs all 59 Repubs and 1 Dem to flip, because House needs 3/5 of majority to pass.
MUST get the signatures collected!
Push working the polls for signature collection. In Clermont County, only 30 polls being used on May 3rd, for Levy’s on ballot. Below is the list of polling places in ranking of most voters...........We MUST make sure that the largest polling places are filled first. All those signing up will be able to get supplies for the polls before the airing of “Waiting for Superman”, April 28th at 6 pm at the Holiday Inn. All circulators MUST see the training video at www.theohioproject.com before they circulate to insure they are doing it properly. Many people have signed it. We must make sure anyone signing the petition has NOT already done so, or it will NULIFY their first signature. They can print off their own petitions.
Have them contact me to sign up…..jbrandt8@cinci.rr.com, 947-8065 OR take the info down, Time willing to work (6:30 am – 7:30 pm), Polling location (from list below) and PHONE number.
Petitions should be turned in election night at the Holiday Inn at 7:00 pm at our regularly scheduled Clermont County Tp meeting.
When getting signatures, ask if they know anyone who would sign, give the Ohio Project website address and tell them to watch the video and print off petitions. Then point them to our site.. www.clermontteaparty.org to turn them in. This should work twofold; get the circulation done and help grow our group.
1 year healthcare waivers now exceed 1,168 businesses, unions, insurers, restaurants and other organizations. What was a total of 300,000 people a few months ago, now total over 2.93 million people getting waived. Information provided from the Hill.com
Goshen High School
First Baptist Church of Glen Este
Brantner Elementary
Batavia Township Hall
Amelia Elementary
Holly Hill Elementary
Locust Corner Elementary
Loveland Early Childhood
Batavia High School
Willowville Elementary
Summerside Elementary
Merwin Elementary
Clough Pike Elementary
Solid Rock South Church
Batavia Middle School
McCormick Elementary
Monroe Township Maintenance Bld
Withamsville Church of Christ
New Richmond Community Ctr
Mt Carmel Christian Church
Pierce Township Hall
Union Township Civic Ctr
Loveland City Hall
Summerside United Methodist Church
Branch Hill VFW
Ohio Township Community Bld
Church on the Hill
Withamsville Tobasco Elementary
Batavia Township Firehouse
Brandychase Clubhouse
Committee Report from West Clermont, Goshen Schools, by Jeffery Kohls
West Clermont
Contracts went out to principals in March, teachers will be out in April and Non licensed employees in May. There was a vocal disagreement at the previous meeting in the handling of renewing contracts of retired principals (double dipping) .The situation was determined to be the "discretion of the Superintendent" rather than any formalized ruling. We have our people at these meetings, but please remember to try to be as respectful as possible when addressing the board as they rarely allow and don't want an open debate at these meetings.
Mrs. Cropper , the Treasurer asked the public to write in any questions we have for the school board regarding their finances to get educated about the levy. Please oblige her if you reside in that district. Mr. Young brought up the point that he felt we avoided the financial problems 2 years ago with that replacement levy and now we are facing bigger problems. Dr. Brooks agreed, but did what they felt that they could pass at the time and knows the current levy is unpopular, but it's his job to keep the district solvent one way or another.
The levy is on the ballot on May 3rd, and the district is moving forward with their message for passage. Make sure you write that date on your calendar and get to your precinct and vote. At the same time the new union contract is close to being finalized or was just recently finalized, as the continuation of the 2010 contract expires this summer. It will be interesting to see if they are committed to a balance between the taxpayers and the staff, or if the contract is similar to the last few.
Goshen
We are just getting members out to Goshen and would love to have more of you attend if you live in that district. Meeting the board, staff and union members is important to understand what the environment is and what roll we can play at these meetings. Please see Tina, myself or Calvin Pauley after the meeting if you're interested in helping out here.
Funding note
All districts but New Richmond and Clermont NE will receive a bump from the state in the new two year budget, but will not make up for the loss of the other funding sources. FY 2012 will be $1.6 million additional for the county and $3.6 million for FY2013. The budgets for the schools do not include the stimulus money from the Federal Government, which for West Clermont was $1.6 million dollars, or 2/3rds of their most recent cut. Also the Ohio Dept of Taxation has not released it's changes to it's portion of the schools' funding due to the personal property tax changes, which is anticipated to be a loss for the county schools as well.
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