County Government Month: Counties Thrive!
BATAVIA, OH – Every day, about 1,200 Clermont County employees provide a variety of services to those who live, work and play in the county. County Government Month offers the opportunity to highlight some of the county’s workers, as well as share statistics that provide a look at the difference they make.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) 2022 theme involves demonstrating how Counties Thrive, especially in technology, health, readiness, infrastructure, vulnerable communities, and economic opportunities.
First, a look at some of our employees:
Erin Meadows, assistant clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, has worked for Clermont County for 14 years. She has a Bachelor Degree in Mental Health and Human Services and has been a Social Service Worker for Children’s Protective Services and Assignment Clerk for Common Pleas Court.
“I love working in the County that I live in and getting to know other people in my community,” said Meadows, who has been married for 22 years and is a mom to two children. “Working for the Commissioner’s Office has given me great insight on how the county operates and how much work goes into keeping things running smoothly. I have always had great co-workers in every department I have worked in. I can’t imagine working anywhere else!”
Sanna Gast, Executive Assistant 2 in Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services, says she loves helping people. The new grandmother has been with Clermont County for 31 years after working in the corporate world for three years.
“I like the benefits the county offers, the people from all of the other departments have been very welcoming and helpful,” said Chief Dog Warden Teresa Fox, a Glen Este High School graduate and resident of Clermont County for 24 years. “The opportunities for promotions as well as opportunities to learn have been great.”
Heather Goslin, Emergency Resource Technician/911 dispatcher in the Department of Public Safety Services/911 Communications Center, has worked for Clermont County for 10 years.
“It’s super close to home and I love helping people,” said Goslin, who lives in Clermont County with her husband, Nick, and son, Hunter. “Whether it be Joe Citizen or police/fire personnel. From the smallest tasks to the most nail biting. I truly enjoy what I do and being one of the extraordinary few who are able to do this job. It’s challenging mentally and emotionally. Plus, I get to work with some great people at the Comm Center and police/fire personnel.”
Clermont County Park District Executive Director Josh Torbeck joined the county less than a year ago. He held jobs at GreatParks of Hamilton County, Delhi Township Parks Department and MetroParks of Butler County after earning a Bachelor’s in Recreation from Miami (OH) University.
“I came here to have the opportunity to effect change on a large scale, but with the hometown feel the Clermont County community provides,” Torbeck said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my wife Allie, and my three daughters Logan, Piper and Quinn.”
Kat Zelak, Education Coordinator, Clermont Soil & Water Conservation District, has been with Clermont County for more than 1.5 years. She holds several degrees: B.S. Animal Science, B.S. Natural Resources, B.S. Biology from Cornell University; M.S. Agriculture & Extension Education w/ concentrations in Community Development and Environmental Education from Ohio State University. She had served as an Education Specialist with Los Angeles Zoo and Outreach Coordinator with Seneca Park Zoo.
“There are so many exciting new opportunities for collaboration and engagement with organizations from the community,” Zelak said. “So many people in Clermont are passionate about their communities and interested in improving the space around them.”
Did you know that in 2021 … ?
- Water Resources Department produced 13.6 million gallons of drinking water a day
- County Engineer maintained 385 miles of county roads and 420 county bridges
- Permit Central awarded permits for 139 new commercial buildings valued at $89 million, 27 additions worth $42.8 million, and 815 alterations valued at $24.8 million
- The Office of Environmental Quality / Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District oversaw the removal of 36 tons of litter and over 300 tires from more than 547 miles of roads in the county
- Children’s Protective Services handled 1,121 reports of child abuse or neglect, and took custody of 76 children who could not remain safely at home
- Children’s Protective Services found forever families for 24 children
- Child Support collected $34.3 million in child support
- Public Assistance Services served more than 14,847 individuals with food assistance, and helped fore than 42,193 with Medicaid
- Public Health inspected 1,739 restaurants or food outlets; issued 4,246 birth certificates, provided 42,500 COVID vaccines, 404 childhood vaccines and 148 flu vaccines, and hosted more than 8,206 WIC office visits
- Dispatch center handled 58,859 911 calls and 86,922 admin calls
- 4,413 criminal cases, 4,252 civil cases and 15,204 traffic cases were filed in Municipal Court
- Victims’ Assistance Office in the Prosecutor’s Office helped 1,983 victims of crime
- Public Defender’s Office opened 5,853 cases