Ep. 44 — Airport Annexation Vote, Union Township $5 License Tax + Gardening, Volunteerism, and a New Clermont Museum Passport<br /><br />We start with county and local updates: the commissioners’ vote on a Batavia Village annexation near the Clermont County Airport (and why multiple speakers warned about development inside the runway protection zone), plus a proposal borrowed from Columbus aimed at stopping Type 2 annexations. Then we hit a quick run of township, city, and school news across Union Township, Milford, and New Richmond, before turning to today’s interview.<br /><br />Interview — Liz Betemps of the Williamsburg Garden Club (and Harmony Hill Museum)<br /><br />Liz Betemps joins the show to talk about why the Williamsburg Garden Club has grown into one of the largest garden clubs in Ohio and what the group actually does beyond “garden meetings.” We get into native plants, pollinator gardens that work even in small spaces, how to fight invasives like honeysuckle, and why raised beds can be a game-changer if you want more control over soil and moisture. Liz also explains the Ohio State University Master Gardener Volunteer program and what it takes to earn that title.<br /><br />From there, the conversation shifts into local history and community projects. Liz shares what’s happening at Harmony Hill Museum in Williamsburg, including work to recreate William Lytle’s land office experience, hands-on Pioneer Days for students, and a new Clermont County Museum Passport tied to America 250 that connects museums across the county with coordinated open-house days.<br /><br />News<br /><br />Batavia airport-area annexation: Commissioners approve a Type 2 annexation of roughly 30 acres near Taylor Road into the Village of Batavia after public warnings about building inside the airport runway protection zone. Multiple commissioners say they oppose annexation in general, but argue state law leaves them little discretion if criteria are met.<br /><br />“No more Type 2” idea: A resident points to a Columbus-area style agreement where local governments commit to avoiding Type 2 annexations and stick to Type 1 annexations where public input carries more weight.<br /><br />Union Township $5 license tax: Trustees approve a new $5 annual vehicle license tax pitched as a user fee to support road resurfacing as costs rise. The vote passes 2–1.<br /><br />Milford Schools superintendent: Milford selects Dr. Bobby Fiori as the next superintendent, pending board approval.<br /><br />Milford utility rate increases: Milford residents should expect an average increase of about $9 per month starting in 2026 across water, sewer, stormwater, and trash following a utility rate study and planned multi-year adjustments.<br /><br />New Richmond Schools fiscal plan: After the district is placed on fiscal precaution and the levy fails, a new plan outlines major cuts leading into 2027–2029, including staffing reductions, potential building reconfiguration, and higher pay-to-play.<br /><br />Events (roundup at the end of the show)&nbsp;<br /><ul><li>Winter Solstice Celebration — Dec. 19, 5PM at Sycamore Park</li><li>Natural Wreath-Making Workshop — Dec. 20, 1–2PM at Klingman Park (registration required)</li><li>Milford Community Fire Department Santa Sunday — Dec. 21, 1–6PM (neighborhood tour)</li><li>Union Township Santa Neighborhood Tour — Dec. 23 (daytime route through neighborhoods)</li><li>Live music: The Great Blur — Dec. 27, 7:30PM at Little Miami Brewing</li></ul>Follow on Facebook &amp; Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a><br /><br />If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>&nbsp;