BATAVIA — The Clermont County Board of Commissioners will hold the first in a series of town meetings on June 19 in Batavia Township, a move aimed at making the board more accessible to residents.

        Commissioner Mary Walker pushed the idea when she joined the board in January. She had been a trustee in Union Township, where that board's twice-a-month meetings are held in the evening. Commissioners Bob Proud and Martha Dorsey liked the idea.

        “Our commissioners' meetings tended to be during the day when most people are out making a living,” said Mrs. Walker.

        “They find it difficult to come.”

        The June 19 town meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Batavia Township Hall, 2401 Old Ohio 32 in Batavia. The commissioners will not be conducting a formal business meeting; rather, it is to listen to concerns.
       

Convenience factor
        The idea is to bring county government closer to the communities and, by holding meetings in the early evening, afford residents a more convenient time to attend.

        Kathy Lehr, the county's director of communications, said the June 19 meeting will be the first in what are planned to be monthly town meeting sessions in different parts of the county. Another is tentatively planned for July in Stonelick Township, but neither a date nor time have been decided.

        “It's a different way for them (commissioners) to get out in the communities and discuss issues that people in those areas are concerned about,” said Ms. Lehr.

        County officials believe people might be more inclined to talk about issues distinct to their community if the commissioners came to them.

        “This will offer them an opportunity and make it convenient to where they live,” said Mrs. Walker. “Also, we have the opportunity to get out and see what's going on in a particular township or village. We've invited communities to get in touch with us and tell us when would be a good time to come out.”

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