Cleves restores local police and mayor's court to enhance community safety

During a recent special council meeting, the Village Council of Cleves, Ohio, underscored the critical importance of maintaining foundational services, particularly in public safety. The discussion centered around a proposed levy aimed at sustaining essential services like police and fire departments, which are vital for the community's everyday life.

The council emphasized that this levy would help avoid unsustainable budget cuts and temporary fixes, ensuring that residents receive responsible governance. The mayor highlighted a commitment made during the 2023 campaign to enhance communication and enforce local ordinances and zoning regulations, which had been challenging from 2021 to 2023.

Contrary to some beliefs, the mayor clarified that the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department's presence was not the reason for enforcement issues. Instead, the village has taken proactive steps to restore its police department and improve communication with the sheriff's office. Key actions included reinstating the mayor's court, property maintenance court, and the board of zoning appeals, all of which had been inactive for several years.

Additionally, the village has made strides in environmental compliance, correcting past failures to meet Ohio EPA stormwater regulations, achieving full compliance for the first time since withdrawing from the Hamilton County Stormwater District.

The mayor passionately conveyed the significance of local governance, stating that the village's ability to tailor ordinances to its unique needs is a strength that sets it apart from townships. With a small footprint of just 1.5 square miles, the council members emphasized their commitment to ensuring that Cleves remains a safe and well-governed community.