CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Clermont County is facing an emergency services crisis. As call volumes have surged by 71% since 2002, local fire and police departments say they can no longer keep up under the current funding models.
On May 5, voters in Batavia and Miami Townships will decide the fate of two major safety levies.
Batavia Township: Breaking Away for Better Coverage
The headline issue is the proposed dissolution of the 25-year-old Central Joint Fire and EMS District (CJFED). Batavia Township is seeking a 9.5-mill levy to establish its own independent fire department, ending its partnership with Batavia Village.
The Problem: The Village generates 17% of emergency calls but pays only 7% of the budget, largely due to tax breaks it gives to new developments.
The Plan for New Stations: The levy would fund at least one, and potentially two, new fire stations. One is specifically planned for the west side of the township, a densely populated area that currently suffers from response times that fall behind national safety standards.
Unlocked Funding: Moving to an independent department allows the township to keep roughly $1 million in annual “TIF” tax revenue. Legally, this money is currently diverted elsewhere, but under a township-only department, it stays local to fund stations and equipment.
Retaining the Heroes: Officials guarantee that all current firefighters will be retained; they will simply transition to the new township-run department.
Miami Township: Fighting “Brownouts” and Aging Gear
Miami Township is asking for a 3.1-mill Safety Services levy to bolster its existing operations. This measure is designed to get the department out of “deficit spending” and ensure there are enough personnel to avoid station “brownouts” — temporary closures.
The Revenue: The levy is expected to generate approximately $5.6 million per year.
New Equipment: Funds will replace aging vehicles and gear. For context, outfitting just one firefighter today costs roughly $21,700, and a new ambulance can exceed $382,000.
What Happens if the Levies Fail?
If these measures are rejected, both townships could face serious risks.
Batavia: The township will remain in the joint district, but six firefighter positions currently paid for by a temporary federal grant could be eliminated immediately. There will be no funding for the planned west-side station.
Miami: The department may be forced to continue deficit spending, potentially leading to staffing cuts and slower response times for residents.
Voting Information
Early voting has already begun. You can find your specific polling location and view a sample ballot — so you can read the exact legal wording of these levies — by visiting the Clermont County Board of Elections and searching by your home address.
