VOTE411 Voter Guide

Proposed Tax Levy (Renewal) Clermont CountyA majority affirmative vote is necessary for passageA renewal of a tax for the benefit of Clermont County for the purpose of providing or maintaining senior citizens services or facilities that the county auditor estimates will collect $5,921,431 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1.30 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $26 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.The levy provides local funding for vital services that help older adults stay healthy, safe, and independent at home. It also helps secure additional state and federal funding for the community. The May 2026 issue is a renewal of the existing levy and does not increase the tax rate.What and who does the levy support?Levy funding supports essential services that help older adults remain safe, healthy, and independent at home. These services include home-delivered meals, medical transportation, adult day services, in-home care, adult protective services, and other daily supports. Each year, Clermont Senior Services serves more than 4,000 older adults, many of whom receive more than one service. Most are age 75 or older, live alone, have moderate to low incomes, and have limited or no family support nearby.Why does this matter to the broader community?When older adults can remain in their homes with the right support, families experience less stress, caregivers are better able to stay in the workforce, and the community benefits from stronger stability for vulnerable residents. These services also reduce pressure on emergency systems, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.What is the impact on taxpayers and public resources?Home-based support is far less expensive than nursing home care. Home-based care typically costs less than $2,000 per year, compared with roughly $6,000 per month for nursing home care. Supporting seniors at home is not only better for quality of life, it is also a more cost-effective use of public resources.How is the agency funded?The levy provides more than 75% of Clermont Senior Services resources. Additional funding comes from client contributions, state and federal funds allocated through the region’s Area Agency on Aging, and community or grant support. Because the levy is the required local match for many outside funds, losing the levy would also jeopardize much of that additional funding.What happens if the levy does not pass?If the levy does not pass in May 2026, there would be one more opportunity to renew it on the November 2026 ballot. If it were to fail again, levy funding and much of the related matching support would end on December 31, 2026. The result would be the loss of programs and services that thousands of older adults depend on.