Residents raise road safety, animal shelter and housing concerns in Clermont County public comment

Several residents used the public comment period at the Jan. 29 Clermont County Board of Commissioners meeting to press officials on road safety, veterans services and county animal shelter policies.

Mike Maloney, a Batavia resident who said he lives on Old State Route 32, asked the board to conduct a speed study covering the portion of the road he cited and said, “the completed speed study did not accurately reflect the part of Old State Route 32 per his request.” Jerry Perry of Mt. Carmel urged the board to add staff at the Veterans Services Commission to handle increasing demand. Deanna Smith raised multiple concerns after reviewing a tax bill and also said a county website link was incorrect and reported that “a dog was euthanized at the animal shelter this week,” urging a need for a behaviorist. Jen Mazzuckelli of Union Township said Clermont County has “the worst affordable housing in the state” and described being cost-burdened, referencing the Veterans Village and high eviction and rent rates.

Commissioner David L. Painter responded to shelter-related remarks by noting the board is bound by the Ohio Revised Code for shelter operations and that counties and humane societies operate under those statutes. Later in the meeting County Administrator Thomas J. Eigel said the Clermont County Animal Shelter website will be reviewed following public comments and staff updates.

The public comment segment included personal appeals rather than formal proposals; the board did not adopt policy changes during the meeting. Several citizens’ requests (a localized speed study, additional veterans services staffing, and animal shelter process changes) will require follow-up by staff and, where applicable, compliance with state law or additional administrative steps.