The Clermont Chamber of Commerce today announced its position on a county-wide ballot issue that will appear on the May 8, 2018 ballot. The position was determined after a presentation from the levy sponsor, discussion in the Government Affairs Ballot Issues Committee, with final action by the Chamber Board of Directors.

“For over forty five years the Clermont Chamber has focused on safeguarding and strengthening the collective interests of the Clermont County business community,” said Matt Van Sant, President/CEO of the Clermont Chamber of Commerce. “These issues impact business and workforce development activity, and our overall quality of life.”

“Business must not be reluctant to speak out when decisions of public policy and taxation may have an impact on business success.” This is the position:

Clermont County:

Vote YES on Clermont County Developmental Disabilities renewal tax levy (0.75 mils for five years) for the acquisition, construction, renovation, financing, maintenance, and operation of mental retardation and developmental disabilities facilities by the County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Citing growing demand for services and growing waiting lists, the need for staffing increases, and that the renewal of the levy provides nearly twenty percent of agency funding, the Chamber recommends a yes vote. These services are critical to working families of individuals with disabilities and are an ongoing challenge for the business community should a caregiver have lost workdays. The assistance provided by Clermont County Developmental Disabilities is a critical public service.

More information on these matters can be found at clermontelections.org.

Founded in 1969, the Clermont Chamber of Commerce is an association of approximately 750 businesses working together to make the Clermont County area the preferred place to locate, operate and grow a successful company.   The Chamber’s key initiatives are advocacy, economic growth and member/investor benefits. Find us at Clermontchamber.com. The President of the Clermont Chamber of Commerce is Matthew D. Van Sant, and the Chairman of the Board is Kim Patton, HealthSource of Ohio, Inc.