Episode 42 - Ron Dunn - Sleep In Heavenly Peace

 Ep. 42 — Snow, Budgets, Annexations + Beds for Clermont County KidsWe start with some county news: a look at Clermont’s projected 2026 operating budget, a red flag in the capital fund, and a new annexation fight that has the airport sounding alarms. After that, we look at township and village updates across Batavia, Tate, Union Township, Loveland, and New Richmond.Interview — Ron Dunn of Sleep in Heavenly PeaceRon Dunn, co-president of the Clermont County chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace and a Bethel village councilman, joins the show to talk about a need most of us never think about: kids sleeping without beds. He explains how SHP started in Idaho and grew to 400+ chapters, why 2–3% of kids nationwide are estimated to sleep without a bed, and what a $250 “sponsored bed” actually covers from lumber to “bed in a bag.” Ron walks through build days with volunteers, how deliveries work, and the look on a kid’s face the first night they get their own bed. Then the conversation shifts to Bethel’s challenges and strengths: aging housing stock, small-town budgets, utilities and police costs, economic development, and why “darn good Chevy” might be the most honest slogan a village can have.News quick hitsCounty budget: Commissioners review the projected 2026 general fund — about $88.6M in operating revenue, just over $87M in appropriations, and roughly 67% of spending going to criminal justice and courts. We look at the 35% reserve policy, the projected $54M cash balance, and what “$24M in excess reserves” really means.Capital fund hole: The capital fund is over-committed by about $11.5M, with another $7.6M in requests waiting in the wings. Commissioners are staring at a choice: move millions from the general fund or scale back/delay projects.Airport annexation fight: A 29.884-acre Taylor Road parcel near Clermont County Airport heads for type-II annexation into the Village of Batavia. We hear from Sporty’s president Chuck Gallagher, who outlines why the airport opposes the move: the land sits in the FAA-defined Runway Protection Zone (RPZ), they’ve taken FAA grant money, aircraft incidents have already happened on those parcels, and moving zoning authority to the village could invite “incompatible development” and undercut the new airport master plan.Batavia Township zoning: Zoning commission continues work on case B-10-25-Z, updating the SR 125 special overlay district and cleaning up Article 34 after Article 36 (PDs) was repealed by voters.Tate Township: Special meeting held with fire union reps to discuss a new contract; Patrick flags it as one to watch.Union Township: Two public hearings coming up on a proposed additional $5 annual license tax on motor vehicles. If you drive in UT and have opinions, mark your calendar.Loveland: A new city flag is coming for the 150th anniversary — “The Heartland,” designed by Ariana Wilson, inspired by the bike trail and Little Miami River.New Richmond: Plumbing issues from the Indian Ridge water main break appear resolved, no boil advisory in place; the village consolidates December meetings to December 15, pauses shade tree and planning commission meetings for winter, and sets up a Christmas light recycling box at Village Hall through February 1.Events (roundup at the end of the show)Miami Township Community Tree Lighting at Miami Meadows Park.Trains of Williamsburg Christmas Walk on Main Street.Winter wellness sound bath and hike and heritage wrapping-paper printing at Clingman Park.Batavia “Christmas in the Village” on Main Street.New Richmond’s River Village Christmas and Santa Paws pet parade.Old Milford Christmas golf cart parade (with Santa and Elvis on an antique fire truck).Trinity Milford live nativity, Clermont Chorale “Christmas Traditions” concerts, Candyland Christmas at Batavia Library, Christmas in Loveland, DIY stained-glass ornaments for kids, and more.Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.FacebookInstagramNewsletterIf the show brings you value, consider supporting us!Donate