Bill DeHaas, representing Clermont Senior Services, urged the Clermont County Board of Commissioners to place a 1.3‑mill senior services levy renewal on the May 5, 2026 primary/special election ballot to preserve programs that help older residents remain in their homes.

DeHaas summarized a recent Miami University Scripps Gerontology profile and a county needs assessment, saying the county's population 60 and older has grown 63% since 2010 and now represents roughly 25% of the county. He said the 85-and‑older population is projected to grow about 32% between 2030 and 2040 and that 12% of older adults have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementia. "The senior services levy is the primary funding source" for transportation, home‑delivered and congregate meals, in‑home care, adult day programs, caregiver respite and case management, DeHaas said.

Commissioners pressed for budget context. DeHaas said the levy generates about $5.8 million of roughly $8.2 million in total senior services revenue; transportation accounts for about a quarter of levy spending and home care, case management and related services make up the remainder. He estimated the levy cost at roughly $26.44 per $100,000 of market value — about $80 a year for a $300,000 home — and noted the levy has not been increased in more than 20 years.

DeHaas and commissioners emphasized the levy's role in preventing more costly nursing‑home placements and hospitalizations. DeHaas cited program metrics: services reach more than 4,000 older adults annually, provide over 40,000 rides covering more than 500,000 miles, deliver more than 70,000 meals, and supply tens of thousands of hours of in‑home care and respite. "The levy's renewal ensures the continuation of those vital services in the community," he said.

The presentation concluded with the senior services board recommending the commissioners consider placing the renewal levy on the May 5, 2026 ballot. Commissioners thanked DeHaas and asked staff to provide further details as planning continues; no final action on ballot placement was recorded at the meeting.