Warren County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Warren County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Grace Chapel agritourism and farm market on Cook Road
A church wants to add a pavilion, parking, and public farm market to its 37-acre working farm next to the Catalpa Ridge subdivision. Neighbors worry about the dangerous Cook Road corner, traffic, noise, lighting, and whether the tree buffer will survive. Commissioners kept the hearing open to craft stronger conditions.
Thoroughfare plan deviation for Green Oaks senior living facility
The county's road blueprint now matches its street design standards — six-foot sidewalks, wider rights-of-way near intersections, and a curb-and-gutter local street section. Developers won't need special board approvals for standard subdivisions, and the county engineer can approve deviations directly.
PFOS 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
Warren County joined settlements with four more chemical companies over PFOS contamination traced partly to fire-training foam, including at the Wilmington airport area. The county has already collected about $4.5 million and its treatment plant now fully meets federal PFOS regulations — the first in Ohio to do so.
Lead and copper testing waiver for Socialville water customers
Warren County joined settlements with four more chemical companies over PFOS contamination traced partly to fire-training foam, including at the Wilmington airport area. The county has already collected about $4.5 million and its treatment plant now fully meets federal PFOS regulations — the first in Ohio to do so.
Data center regulation and possible moratorium
Warren County's zoning code has no rules for data centers, and staff say an application could slip through under 'similar use' provisions. Commissioners are weighing a temporary moratorium while state and regional studies on water and power wrap up.
Alta Fiber broadband contract shortfall
Alta Fiber is way behind on a $4 million county broadband contract, and the ARPA money backing it expires December 31. The county is weighing termination and redirecting $3.2 million to jail salaries.
Master Facilities Plan Phase Two — new HHS and facilities buildings
The county plans a new ~$13 million facilities management building and fuel station, followed by a $25-$30 million Health and Human Services building replacing a 150-year-old structure lacking sprinklers, elevators to the top floor, and accessibility. Kids' services, human services, and the Child Advocacy Center would be housed in a modern, secured building.
Child Advocacy Center funding model
The CAC, which interviews child abuse victims and provides mental health services, wants the county to fund it like any other department instead of relying on grants and fundraisers. It serves a record number of kids and the board seems likely to say yes at budget time.
2027 Tax Budget and Property Tax to Sales Tax Swap
Commissioners are exploring cutting the county's ~$25-32 million share of property tax and replacing it with up to a half-cent sales tax increase. Most sales tax is paid by non-residents, so locals could come out ahead — but sales tax is less stable and schools don't benefit. No decision yet; deadline is August 2026.
Drug task force moves under Sheriff's Office
Warren County's drug task force is dissolving its council of governments and will now be run by the Sheriff's Office under an MOU. The sheriff says it saves money, cuts audit fees, and gives the county more control; Commissioner Jones abstained because she felt rushed into a long-term commitment without time to research it.
Township Line Road bridge failures
A resident raised concerns that the Township Line Road bridge, replaced in 2025 at a cost that grew well past the original $450,000 estimate, is already failing — with roadway damage and repeated patching. The board agreed to take the questions to the county engineer.
Middletown event center financing scrutiny
Warren County is putting up to ~$12.5 million of economic development funds behind the $125 million bond deal for the Middletown arena. If arena revenues fall short of roughly $813,000 a year in debt service on the county-backed tranche, county dollars cover the gap for up to 25 years.