Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: clermont county

  • Andrew Bateman: Well-meaning Issue 1 obscures harmful unintended consequences

    Andrew Bateman: Well-meaning Issue 1 obscures harmful unintended consequences

    by Andrew Bateman,

    The November 6th election, with all its national implications, is fast approaching. Ohio Issue 1, a proposed state constitutional amendment to reduce drug possession offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, is frequently used as a barometer of sorts amid ongoing coverage of state campaign races. The barrage of 30-second campaign ads are hyperbolic at best, and some feature fear tactics to persuade a no vote on Issue 1. What follows is my practice at a more reasoned case against the issue with hopes you come to the conclusion that Ohio Issue 1 hurts Clermont County and other local governments more than it helps.

    What follows is my practice at a more reasoned case against the issue.

    On its surface, Issue 1 has its merits. Given that the United States is the world leader in incarceration, 5 states have already passed similar legislation aimed at reforming the current criminal justice system. Ohio Issue 1 intends to reduce the state’s incarceration rate by reclassifying penalties for drug offenses such as possession, purchasing, and the use of illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia from a felony to a misdemeanor. The resulting reduction of over 50,000 prisoners would generate savings to the state. Money saved would go back into the system for addiction treatment and rehabilitation services as well as crime victim funds.The initiative places additional value on treatment by incentivizing prisoners that participate in rehabilitation services with a potential 25% sentence reduction.The reclassification would not apply to drug trafficking offenses, preventing drug dealers from dodging hard time.

    Ohio Issue 1 misses the mark on two interrelated key points.

    For all the big concepts of saving money and improving public safety, the ballot initiative over-simplifies the nuances of the criminal justice system and disregards the true state of addiction services within local governments. Ohio Issue 1 misses the mark on two interrelated key points: Access to money and access to treatment.

    The amendment would immediately reduce the prison population. First, by granting prisoners with previous applicable felony convictions the right to appeal for a reduced sentence. Secondly by prohibiting jail or prison time for the same offenses, provided it is not the offenders third time in 24 months. Only 15 percent of inmates in state prisons across the United States are incarcerated for drug offenses. A sentence reduction of the approximately 7,500 eligible prisoners in Ohio would be a limited, one-time savings

    Ohio Issue 1 places an undue burden on local governments to process repeat offenders up to three times before sentencing them to jail.

    Not all of Ohio’s counties and municipalities have the same needs; but many face similar problems of overcrowded jails and ever-tightening budget crunches. And while inaccurate to say Ohio Issue 1 decriminalizes drugs, it certainly won’t deter people from buying and using drugs, which if the initiative passes, would shift sole responsibility of processing drug offenders to local governments. Ohio Issue 1 places an undue burden on local governments to process repeat offenders up to three times before sentencing them to jail.

    Issue 1 is a major threat to the progress that has been made by county governments and agencies to address the opioid crisis in Ohio. Drug courts, which mandate treatment as an alternative to prison, are among the most effective methods of rehabilitation for addicts, many of whom would otherwise not seek treatment on their own. Issue 1 removes that authority from the judicial system and puts vulnerable offenders back in harm’s way. The treatment funding mechanism proposed by Ohio Issue 1 is not well-defined and could be distributed through grants. This complicates local government’s ability to allocate funds year-over-year and create stable infrastructure for addiction treatment programs and services.

    In recent years national and state politics have been more cognizant of the opioid crisis, but the most significant positive impacts are made through collaboration between local government agencies and law enforcement. Effective programs such as quick-response teams and recovery coaches could be on the chopping block when local law enforcement and jails absorb more of the state’s cost.

    Andy Bateman is a resident of Loveland, Ohio and serves as a member of the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

    As complex as Ohio Issue 1 is, it is understandable that the easier argument against it is to say that it normalizes drug use and puts dangerous criminals out on the streets. In my opinion it is more interesting to evaluate it in practical terms. One major concern with Ohio Issue 1 is, as a constitutional amendment, it does not pertain to an individual’s rights or freedoms and would be more difficult to repeal once approved.

    One major concern with Ohio Issue 1 is that it is a constitutional amendment.

    The choice is ours on November 6th. Please take the time to read for yourself the ​full language of the Statewide Issue​. My intent is to vote against it and I urge others to do the same.

  • Sherrod Brown announces $28,572 to Goshen Township Fire and EMS

    Sherrod Brown announces $28,572 to Goshen Township Fire and EMS

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a total of $163,811 to two Clermont County fire departments for operations and safety through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program.The funds include:

    • $135,239 to the Wayne Township Fire and Rescue
    • $28,572 to the Goshen Township Fire and EMS

    “Ohio firefighters and first-responders work every day to protect our families,” said Brown.“We must support our first-responder organizations so that communities in Clermont County have the resources to shield families and homes from fire hazards.”

    The AFG Program supports fire departments across the country to ensure the safety of both first-responders and the public. The program provides funds for supplemental training, upgrades to protective equipment, facility modifications, and other supplies that protect firefighters and first-responders in moments of crisis. Grants are awarded to fire department-based and non-affiliated EMS organizations that best address the priorities of the AFG Program. More information about the AFG Program can be found here.

    Interested fire departments can contact Brown’s grant coordinator to receive information about federal grant opportunities by clicking here.

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  • Child Support Services offers amnesty for civil warrants

    Child Support Services offers amnesty for civil warrants

    Batavia, Ohio – Clermont County Child Support Services will offer amnesty during October to noncustodial parents who have outstanding civil warrants relating to a child support hearing. The amnesty does not include criminal cases that are filed in Common Pleas Court.

    During the month of October, parents who have failed to appear for a court hearing, or to report to jail to serve a sentence relating to child support only, should contact the Child Support Services.

    The child support agency will suspend or withdraw civil bench warrants for those parents who arrange to make payments toward their child support, who are employed or registered with Ohio Means Jobs, or who meet certain other criteria. There will be no fee for this service.

    “The goal of the amnesty program is to reduce the number of outstanding civil warrants and to try to get these parents back on track and heading in the right direction,” said Brenda Gilreath, assistant director of Child Support Services. “This amnesty program will allow the parents who have warrants an opportunity to reach a legal resolution by working on a compliance plan – and the resolution is at no cost for the service.”

    In March 2017, Child Support Services held an amnesty, and were encouraged by the response. One hundred twenty noncustodial parents had their warrants removed and began paying child support. “Our message then, and our message now, is that this is the right thing to do,” said Gilreath. “Parents who are in jail cannot hold a job, and cannot pay child support. If the parent is serious, we will do everything we can to help them so that they can help their children.”

    The child support program serves more children than any other public program in Ohio, second only to the Department of Education. In 2017, the Clermont County agency collected almost $36 million in child support. The agency currently has 719 civil warrants associated with child support cases, representing $10.3 million in past due support.

    To find out more, or to start arrangements, noncustodial parents can call the warrant caseworker at 513.732.7334 at any time (leave a voicemail after hours), or visit the Child Support  Office from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the month of October. Appointments are not necessary during these hours but are encouraged.

    Noncustodial parents can also email shonna.johnson@jfs.ohio.gov. Find out more information on the Child Support Services website,  www.clermontsupportskids.org.

    Media: For more information, contact Theresa Bechtel Ellison, Lead Attorney, or Brenda Gilreath, Deputy Director, at 513.732.7429.

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  • Judge Jerry R. McBride: Why Issue One should be opposed

    Judge Jerry R. McBride: Why Issue One should be opposed

    by Judge Jerry R. McBride

    If you are concerned about neighborhood safety, then you should NOT support Issue One on the ballot this fall. It will hinder law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges in their ability to deal with the biggest drug crisis in this state’s history.As a result, it will result in more drugs on the streets, more crime, more deaths from overdoses, and more costs to local communities and taxpayers.

    Jerry R. McBride is a Clermont County, Ohio, Common Pleas Court Judge

    Judges have the ability to comment on issues that affect the administration of justice. Issue One will have a devastating effect on the administration of justice on Ohio. As one trial judge, this is my take on Issue One:

    ISSUE ONE DOES NOT BELONG IN THE STATE CONSTITUTION

    A state constitution should set forth the powers and functions of the branches of government, certain general values and principles upon which the citizens of the state generally agree, and the basic rights which are afforded to the citizens of the state. It should set forth matters which are so fundamental and important that they will not be subject to change over time. This proposed constitutional amendment does not in any way belong in a state constitution. It seeks to change sentencing law as it exists in the state of Ohio based on an assumption that change needs to be made. If change does need to be made, then it should be made through the process of enacting legislation, as is done on a regular basis in this state, and not through a constitutional amendment.

    ISSUE ONE DIRECTLY CONTRADICTS THE CONCEPT OF TRUTH IN SENTENCING AND IGNORES THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS.

    There should be truth in sentencing, not lip service to truth in sentencing. Issue One allows a credit to be given by the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for participation in rehabilitative, work, or educational programming of up to 25% of a sentence plus 30 days. While this may sound good at first glance, it is contrary to the concept of truth in sentencing. When a victim is told what a sentence will be, he/she should be able to rely on that being the sentence unless a hearing is scheduled on a possible reduction in the sentence. Why should a sentence be reduced just because an inmate “participates” in programming? Isn’t that the bare minimum that should be expected from an inmate? Why should an inmate be rewarded for doing the bare minimum? If a sentence is to be reduced, it should be reduced by the sentencing judge based upon an assessment that the risk of recidivism has been reduced, not because somebody has shown up to work. And if the judge makes the assessment that the sentence should be reduced, a hearing will be required and the victim will have an opportunity to be present and to be heard, which is the way it should be. Additionally, what does it mean to “participate” in these activities? This essentially allows the prison authorities to reduce a judge’s sentence,and it should be the judge who imposed a sentence who determines whether that sentence should be reduced.

    ISSUE ONE IS DANGEROUS IN THAT IT INTERFERES WITH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM’S ABILITY TO DEAL WITH THE DRUG CRISIS

    It is highly inappropriate in the midst of the biggest crisis in this state in terms of drug abuse for the possession and use of dangerous drugs to be treated essentially the same as minor traffic and criminal offenses. Possession of dangerous drugs leads to overdoses, to more serious criminal offenses, to deaths. The possession and use of dangerous drugs are not minor offenses to the persons who are addicted to drugs, to the victims of crime involving persons under the influence of drugs, to the parents and family members who are praying that their loved ones will not overdose and die. To suggest that we need to include treatment in our approach to this drug crisis is highly appropriate, and in fact it is already being done routinely across this state. However, to suggest that we should reduce the level of these offenses so that they are no longer classified as serious offenses is highly inappropriate.

    ISSUE ONE TREATS USE OF DANGEROUS DRUGS AS LESS SERIOUS THAN JUST ABOUT EVERY OTHER CRIME

    The proponents of the constitutional amendment, in saying that a jail sentence cannot be imposed, are saying that possession and use of such drugs as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine should be treated more lightly than reckless driving, shoplifting, lying to a police officer, gambling, and persistent disorderly conduct, all of which can result in the imposition of jail sentences. Is this really the message that we should be sending to drug addicted adults who represent a risk of committing more serious offenses as long as they persist in the use of dangerous drugs?

    ISSUE ONE ELIMINATES THE ABILITY OF A JUDGE TO IMPOSE A JAIL SENTECE FOR A FIRST OR SECOND POSSESSION OFFENSE, EVEN IF THE DRUG IS HEROIN, METHAMPHETAMINE, OR COCAINE

    In all likelihood, probation will be appropriate for a person who commits a drug possession offense which is the first or second within a 24-month period. However, that will not always be the case. For instance, probation may not be appropriate at all if the offense is committed at the same time as a more serious offense such as a burglary or an assault. Similarly, probation may not serve the purpose of protecting the public if the drug possession or use offense is committed by a convicted sex offender for whom use of a dangerous drug or alcohol represents a significant risk of reoffending and for whom intermediate sanctions may provide no real protection to the community. As for the term probation, does that include treatment in a halfway house or in a lock-down community based correctional facility?

    If it doesn’t include residential treatment, including lockdown residential treatment, ittakes away some of the most effective tools which can be used in trying to rehabilitate an offender. Needless to say, the problem with creating an absolute standard that requires that a person who uses or possesses drugs receive the lowest level of sanction available is that applying that standard under the facts of given case may not be consistent with the seriousness of the offense or the likelihood of recidivism.

    ISSUE ONE PUTS HANDCUFFS ON JUDGES IN THEIR ABILITY TO GET OFFENDERS TO STOP USING DRUGS

    The proposed amendment would eliminate the possibility of imposing a jail sentence at all for a violator on a first or second drug possession or use offense within 24 months and would eliminate the possibility of a court imposing a prison sentence for a felony violator unless the violator commits a new criminal offense. However, this leads to some very real dilemmas. If that is to be the law, what is a court to do with someone who simply refuses to attend treatment or to comply with any of the intermediate sanctions or who simply says that he/she will not comply with anything that the court orders? What is a court to do with someone who says he/she will comply with community control sanctions but then refuses to do anything which is ordered? Under the language of the proposed constitutional amendment, a felony offender could simply tell a judge at the time of the sentencing hearing that he/she will comply with the community control sanctions that are ordered, and then after being placed on community control, refuse to do anything that the court orders. At that point, a prison sentence could not be imposed. What is the possible sense in that? How does that serve to protect the public? The probation department has a statutory duty to report violations to the court, but if the offender continually absconds or fails to comply with the sanctions that are ordered, how can the probation department perform that function? The answer is very simple- it can’t.

    ISSUE ONE JUST GIVES LIP SERVICE TO THE CONCEPT OF GRADUATED SANCTIONS

    Issue One strips away the full range of tools which enable a judge or probation department to be effective in not only rehabilitating an offender, but also in protecting the public. It is difficult to argue with the concept of graduated responses, and the use of intermediate sanctions, by courts and probation departments. It is consistent with the use of evidence-based practices. However, the application of graduated responses or intermediate sanctions to a violator in a given case will depend on the seriousness of the original offense, the risk of recidivism, and the nature of the violation. In this regard, a graduated response policy will typically include probation (monitored or with conditions), intermediate sanctions (which may include such things as house arrest, residential or outpatient treatment, day reporting, a short jail term, or other requirements), and jail or prison. Issue One, however, arbitrarily takes away the option of jail or prison even for someone who thumbs his or her nose at the system and who refuses to undergo treatment or to make other changes that are necessary to reduce the likelihood of recidivism. It also arbitrarily takes away the option of jail or prison for someone for whom lesser sanctions are simply not appropriate.

    ISSUE ONE CONTRADICTS THE IMPORTANT CONCEPT OF SEPARATION OF POWERS

    The proposed amendment provides that each court must prepare guidelines for graduated responses that may be imposed in sentencing offenders and that the guidelines must be approved by the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, which is part of the executive branch. Such a provision, which is proposed to be part of the state constitution, violates an already existing constitutional principle, which is the separation of powers. Additionally, there is no reason to believe that the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has any expertise in deciding what factors a court should consider in determining which graduated response should be applied in a given case in sentencing an individual. That is pure and simple a judicial function.

    UNDER ISSUE ONE, THERE WILL BE LESS, NOT MORE, MONEY FOR TREATMENT

    The proponents of this constitutional amendment assume that the costs of their proposal will be covered by a substantial reduction in the number of prison beds. However, since the cost of housing fourth and fifth degree felons in the prison system is a very small part of the overall prison cost, since the projections as to cost reductions by the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections have been inaccurate in the past, and since the increase in prison population has primarily resulted from longer sentences, and that is not addressed at all by the constitutional amendment, there is no real reason to believe that the assumptions of the proponents in this regard are correct.

    ISSUE ONE WILL RESULT IN GREATER COSTS TO LOCAL COMMUNTIES WITH WORSE RESULTS

    In the unlikely possibility that the proponents of Issue One are correct that there will be more money for treatment, and that appears to be fool’s gold, the most significant costs of this proposed constitutional amendment are the following- it undermines the efforts being made by courts and the law enforcement community to deal with the drug crisis, it undermines the ability of courts to effectively sentence offenders, and worst of all, it will not make the public any safer at all, and given the problems identified above, will likely lead to the public being more at risk. The cost of the proponents of Issue One pursuing their ill-conceived political agenda will be to put more people at risk of being victims, will not result in more or better treatment for drug users, and will result in greater cost- both human and monetary- to local communities. That is the reason that law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges throughout Ohio are opposing Issue One as being both ill-conceived and dangerous.

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  • You will have the chance to say “yes” to a fresh face and start for Clermont County’s auditor’s office

    You will have the chance to say “yes” to a fresh face and start for Clermont County’s auditor’s office

    Loveland local Megan Downey is a 22 year old graduate of Kent State University and works with at-risk youth.

    Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

    This November, you will have the chance to bring change to Clermont County. You will have the chance to say “no” to career politicians with outdated practices. You will have the chance to say “no” to a loose concept of transparency and less than fair practices of auditing.  

    Cory Combs is running for Clermont County auditor this year, and he is more than qualified for the position. Cory has proven himself to be an enthusiastic and dedicated candidate. The effort he has put into his campaign foreshadows the leadership and accuracy he will bring to office. He cares about the citizens he seeks to represent and bringing accountability to Clermont County as auditor. All of these traits are lacking with the current incumbent. 

    This November, you will have the chance to say “yes” to honest fiscal conservatism, “yes” to true modernization, and “yes” to truly fair governmental practices. Above all, you will have the chance to say “yes” to a fresh face and start for Clermont County’s auditor’s office with a simple vote for Cory Combs.   

    Sincerely,

    Megan Downey

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  • Cory Combs will bring conservative fiscal responsibly to Clermont County

    Cory Combs will bring conservative fiscal responsibly to Clermont County

    Milford resident Robyn Allen is 38 year old mother of two, working in dental insurance.

    Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

    As a Milford resident and voter, I am casting my vote for Cory Combs for Clermont County Auditor. 

    I’ve watched him work tirelessly to get his campaign up and running.  The commitment he’s shown leaves no doubt that he can devote time to the people of Clermont County. Cory has clear goals and plans on how he can improve the office of the Clermont County auditor.  

    As a single mom, I want to know that the money I’m paying in taxes is going to the correct places and being used in the best interest of the future generation. Conservative fiscal responsibly is what Cory Combs will bring to Clermont County, and I hope you will join me in voting for him this November sixth.

    Sincerely,

    Robyn Allen

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  • The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, state-wide and nationally!

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, state-wide and nationally!

    “We are fortunate to have such a historical site right in our own thriving town,” stated Jan Beller, Director of the Loveland Museum Center.

    Rob Geiger

    by Rob Geiger,

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery, located at Ramsey Court in the White Pillars Subdivision in Loveland, Ohio, needs funding in order to help preserve our local history.

    The project will entail eradication of several dying trees, procurement of appropriate permits, site preparation, and erection of a nice 4’ aluminum decorative fence.

    The Paxton-Ramsey Cemetery Association, Inc. is seeking $10,000 in funding. The local Clough Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring a grant proposal submission to their National Society.

    Image may contain: grass, plant, tree, outdoor and natureThe Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery originated in 1813 with the burial of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton, a Revolutionary War Soldier, on land that he received for his military service. Paxton’s original land grant was 1,000 acres starting in Warren County and sweeping into Clermont County. In 1795 Paxton and his sons-in law came to claim the property and a year later sent for their wives and children to join them in their new home.

    Lt. Col. Paxton (1739-1813) served with General George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 and with General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794.

    Lt. Col. Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland.

    Lt. Col. Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland.

    Paxton’s involvement is quite extensive helping Lytle with surveying lands in Clermont County down to parts of today’s community of Hyde Park, having the first polling place in Clermont County and helping with the statehood of Ohio.

    Captain John Ramsey, a son-in-law, was buried in the cemetery in 1847, along with other family members until 1913. Captain John Ramsey (1764-1847) was a Revolutionary War Patriot and one of the first settlers of Clermont County with other family members. He was considered a proficient hunter even though his leg was amputated as a result of carrying out military duties.

    In 1997 the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. was formed and earned the status as a nonprofit (501c3) organization, and it is managed by a Board of Trustees. Much needed restoration of the cemetery took place with restoration of headstones, replacing the barbed wire fencing and removal of brush.

    We are looking to form a grassroots partnership along with members of the community and area businesses to have an attractive historical point of interest site in Loveland.

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, State-wide and nationally! ” We are fortunate to have such a historical site right in our own thriving town,” stated Jan Beller, Director of the Loveland Museum Center (Greater Loveland Historical Society).

    Rob Geiger, is President of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association and sixth generation grandson of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton and fifth generation grandson of Capt. John Ramsey.

    We are looking to form a grassroots partnership along with members of the community and area businesses to have an attractive historical point of interest site in Loveland. Our grant application submission date is December, 2018 and improvements will start in the summer of 2019.

    Please consider a charitable gift to show your support of this historical preservation project by sending your tax-deductible contribution.

    If you have any questions, want a tour of the cemetery or to contribute to Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association please contact us at Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc., C/O Rob Geiger, President, PO Box 25, Loveland, Ohio, 45140, or email geigercounter@hotmail.com.

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  • Branch Hill-Guinea Pike open to two-way traffic

    Branch Hill-Guinea Pike open to two-way traffic

    Miami Township, Ohio – Branch Hill-Guinea Pike reopened to two-way traffic on Saturday. Crews now will move into the final phase of work for the Branch Hill-Guinea Pike widening project, which is expected to last through the fall. During this phase, there will be intermittent, temporary lane closures. The press release issued by the Clermont County Transportation Improvement District said that they do not expect any full-time road closures or detours within the project area.

    This week, our focus will be on widening several areas and installing an intermediate layer of asphalt (weather permitting). Then, we’ll work on sidewalks, driveways, and final paving and striping.

    This is still an active construction zone. Please remember to slow down and be mindful of work crews and construction vehicles moving in and out of the area.

    For more information about this project, visit this website.

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  • “This deal is pure crony capitalism” – Port Authority approves bonds to support FC Cincinnati complex in Milford

    “This deal is pure crony capitalism” – Port Authority approves bonds to support FC Cincinnati complex in Milford

    Milford, Ohio – On September 9, the Clermont County Port Authority approved issuing $30 million in lease revenue bonds to finance the cost of building a training facility and youth academy in Milford for the professional soccer team, FC Cincinnati.

    Chris Hicks

    Self-described “Taxpayer Watchdog” and candidate for Clermont County Auditor, Chris Hicks told Loveland Magazine, “This deal is pure crony capitalism. It raises taxes, the hotel tax, specifically to support one private, for-profit, company. It buys land using tax dollars for that company. It then has the government issue bonds to finance it all for the private company and then has the government own the land and buildings so the private, for-profit, company never pays property tax.” Hicks also says that the City of Milford gets no new infrastructure such as road or sidewalk improvements. and it actually makes the citizens of Milford liable for $43,000 to 47,000 per year for 20 years, to pay for the land.

    Under the arrangement between Milford, Clermont County, and the Port Authority, construction materials will be also be exempted from paying Ohio sales tax, estimated to be $1 million.

    A recent increase in the Clermont County lodging tax will also provide $223,000 a year to support the project.

    Because the Port Authority is tax exempt, FC Cincinnati will not have to pay property taxes. It has negotiated annual payments with the Milford School District to help compensate for what they might otherwise lose, however, other public agencies whose funding derives from property taxes will not be made whole.

    Under the agreement, the Port Authority will lease the 24 acres of land on U.S. 50 in the City of Milford near Interstate 275, and the facilities to be built, to FC Cincinnati for $1 a year. The bonds will be privately purchased by FC Cincinnati. The Port Authority will receive a one-time fee of $105,000 and an annual average fee of $9,000, most of which will go to support various county levies.

    The vote was 4-1. Port Authority Vice Chairman Loretta Rokey the Administrator of Pierce Township; Fiscal Officer Sam DeBonis an Assistant Vice President of Park National Bank, and members Greg DeFisher the President & CEO, Freeman Schwabe Machinery, and Rex Parsons the Administrator of Batavia Township; voted in favor. Member Greg Simpson a Principal with Key Transportation Inc., voted against the resolution.

    In a statement released by Clermont County after the vote, Andy Kuchta, Executive Director and Secretary of the Port Authority, offered the following statement:

    The structure of the lease answers all of the questions related to what the economic impact will actually be and if it is worth the level of incentives being provided. The Port Authority will have the choice to not renew the lease every 360 days for any reason. This is not a 20-year deal but a 360-day deal, full stop.

    Within the next 3-5 years there will be a comprehensive evaluation of the actual economic impacts and benefits once the facility has been constructed and operational for a period of time. If that evaluation determines the economic impacts have not materialized, the Port Authority will be able to substantially renegotiate the terms of these agreements or simply not renew them and return the property to a fully taxable status.

     

    On Aug. 22, Clermont County Commissioners approved an increase in the lodging tax in the county, from 6% to 7%. The revenue generated by the increase in the tax, approximately $223,000 a year, will be used by Milford to pay for the land. Commissioner David Uible said that “As a businessman, I love this deal. Clermont County incentivizes the City of Milford to buy this property for FC with a 1% lodging tax. This will result in $7 million in additional spending each year. The clear winners are the City of Milford, the county as a whole, and all the citizens who call Clermont County home.”

    Hicks says that the statement by Uible is misleading because the $7 million figure pertains to all soccer in the region, not from the Milford practice facility. Hicks says in a fact sheet he released on August 29 that even if credible, their own study lists the actual impact at only $1.6 million per year.

    Hicks has previously said that the 1% tax increase was not enough to cover the cost of the land. “To fund $3.5 million for land, based on Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates, the hotel tax needs to be at least 1.2%, leaving Milford taxpayers holding the bag for $43-47 thousand per year.”

    In an analysis of the deals, Hicks says that County agencies that rely on property taxes like library, safety services, developmental disabilities, senior services, mental health, the Park District, Live Oaks, the City of Milford, and the County general fund will all lose the funds they receive now, $1,144,160, because when the FC Cincinnati site is developed there will be zero property taxes assessed. Hicks says that a $30 million development should pay $866,744 per year.

    Commissioner David Painter, who voted against the tax increase, said at the time of the vote, “I didn’t think the return was high enough to fully represent the stakeholders of Clermont County, who are the citizens of Clermont County.”

    According to the County, the 1% increase in the countywide lodging tax will “sunset” in 2038 or when the balance in the lodging tax account is sufficient to pay off the debt, whichever occurs first.

    The $30 million soccer complex is expected to include a 30,000-square-foot training facility and a 6,500-square-foot youth academy. FC Cincinnati said they hope to complete the training facility by next summer.

    The Port Authority decision represents the last step before the project can begin. FC Cincinnati also entered into agreements with the City of Milford and the Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

    Also according to the press release issued by the County, a study by Sports Facilities Advisory, a sports management consulting group based in Clearwater, Fla., estimated that the FC complex would generate “almost 65,000 visitor days” by out-of-town visitors and result in almost $7 million in direct spending annually. Hicks said, “Go deeper and find an economic study that has been misrepresented. It actually says a paltry $1.6 million in annual benefit will come from this site.” Hicks also claims that the economic study does not mention that FC Cincinnati will be selling “high dollar academy memberships for millions” as opposed to letting locals come and go as they please. “These type of facilities are money makers selling the ‘academy dream’ of your kid on a pro-soccer team,” added Hicks.

    You can look at Hick’s August 10 breakdown of the cost of building the Milford facility: Massive incentives.

    FC Cincinnati, whose owners were recently granted expansion status by Major League Soccer, will also build an estimated $200 million stadium in the West End of Cincinnati, which is expected to be open for the 2021 season. The team currently plays at Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati. The City of Cincinnati is contributing 35 million dollars of public money to the West End Stadium.

  • Representative from the Secretary of State’s office will be available in Batavia on September 7

    Representative from the Secretary of State’s office will be available in Batavia on September 7

    Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that a representative from the Secretary of State’s office will be available in 17 counties around Ohio including Clermont.

    “Open office hours provide local residents an opportunity to stay connected with the Secretary of State’s office in an informal and accessible setting,” according to the press release.
    Those who visit open office hours may obtain voter registration forms and other election information. Additionally, an office representative will be on hand to answer questions about the various functions of the office and its many initiatives, such as the business services division, Ohio Business Profile and the Military Ready-to-Vote program.
    9/7/2018
    10 AM until Noon
    Batavia Branch Library
    180 South Third Street
    Batavia, Ohio 45103