Episode 32 - Dotty Meier & Anne Gross - Child Protective Services Levy

We're keeping the election train rolling. We start with a look at Ohio House Bill 28 and a review of how levies are classified in Ohio. Then we sits down with Dotty Meier (Director, Job & Family Services) and Anne Gross (Assistant Director, CPS).Episode OverviewHB 28: Why Ohio has different levy types (additional, renewal, renewal + inc/dec, replacement), how HB 920 set the stage, and what HB 28 would do (eliminate replacement levies). Status check and a reminder to contact Sen. Terry Johnson if you’ve got a view.Context for CPS: What CPS actually does (screening, investigations, family-first services, removals only as a last resort), why confidentiality limits what they can say publicly, and how referrals work.The placement crisis: Fewer foster/residential beds, higher needs (acuity), workforce shortages, rising daily rates (avg ~$570/day for group homes; some residential placements >$1,000/day).Levy details (Clermont County CPS)Ballot type: Renewal with a 0.2-mill increase (not a replacement).Effective millage would move from 0.46 to 0.66, still below the original 0.8 mills.Cost: $23.33 per $100k of home value per year (about $7 more per $100k than now).Why ask now: Last year placement costs topped ~$7.5M; the existing levy brings in ~$3.6M and is used almost entirely for placement-related costs. Federal/state dollars cover other mandated services and prevention.Scale: ~1,332 maltreatment investigations last year (~1,172 children served without removal); ~283 kids required placement.Town halls with CPS (ask questions live)Tue, Oct 21 — 6:30–7:30 PM @ Williamsburg Library (tonight)Sat, Oct 25 — 12:30–1:30 PM @ Goshen LibraryTue, Oct 28 — 6:30–7:30 PM @ Amelia LibrarySat, Nov 1 — 1:30–3:30 PM @ Miami Township LibraryShout-outs & what’s nextValue-for-value: first on-air producer mention goes to Dr. Kelly Scarf. Thank you!Tomorrow’s guest (Oct 22): Rex Parson, incumbent candidate for Batavia Township Trustee, campaign-focused follow-up.Stay in the loopTips, guests, or events? [email protected] on Facebook & Instagram, and grab the Thursday newsletter for full news and refreshed events.FacebookInstagramNewsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate