Episode 58 - Jennifer Haley - Batavia Fire Levy

 Ep. 58 — Jennifer Haley on the Batavia Township Fire Levy, plus local news and spring events We open this week with a local news roundup from around Clermont County before turning to a detailed conversation on one of the bigger ballot issues facing Batavia Township. We cover county property appraisals, a local teacher earning a major honor, a pending Batavia Village hearing involving Councilman Mike Gardner, an upcoming Union Township JEDD hearing, and cleanup updates out of New Richmond. Interview — Jennifer Haley, Fiscal Officer for Batavia Township Jennifer Haley joins the show to explain what the Batavia Township fire levy would do, why township officials are pursuing a new structure for fire and EMS service, and how the proposed change would affect the current Central Joint Fire-EMS District. She also walks through the history of CJFED, how township finance and millage work, why equipment and staffing costs have climbed so sharply, and what the levy could mean for staffing, future stations, response times, and residents’ tax bills. From there, the conversation gets into the nuts and bolts of the proposal. We talk about the failed November levy, the six firefighter-paramedics tied to a federal SAFER grant, the township’s argument that it now carries the overwhelming share of the fire district tax base, and the case for moving to a Batavia Township Fire Department that would still serve the village through a contract arrangement. Jennifer also explains how older equipment, development pressure, slower response times in the eastern end of the township, and TIF-related revenue issues all factor into the debate. News  Clermont County property appraisers are out collecting data as part of the regular assessment process  St. Bernadette teacher Jennifer Duffy was named Gold Star Chili Teacher of the Year  Batavia Village will hold an April 13 hearing on possible punishment or expulsion of Councilman Mike Gardner  Union Township will hold a May 12 public hearing on changes to JEDD #1 with the City of Milford  New Richmond’s Lions Against Litter and Dumpster Days continue through April 10, along with monthly brush collection through October Events mentioned at the end of the show Play and Learn at the Amelia Branch Library  Family Frog Walk  Art in the Park: Nature Stenciling  Clermont County Genealogical Society program at the Batavia Library  CPR class at the Union Township Civic Center  Easter Family Sing Along Brunch  Spring Clothing Swap with Glam  Amphibian Ambler  Spring River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34 Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.FacebookInstagramNewsletterIf the show brings you value, consider supporting us!Donate