Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Regular Board Meeting
January 22, 2026
The regular meeting of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities was held on January 22, 2026, at the Thomas A Wildey Center, 2040 US Highway 50, Batavia, Ohio 451 03.
President Mary Jane West called the meeting to order at 5:44 p.m.
Roll Call
Janie Pfankuch called roll. All members were present with the exception of Mrs. Fiscus and Mrs. Jensen, both were absent excused.
Dan Ottke, along with the Board, welcomed new Board member Judy Eschmann. Welcome, Judy!
Resolution 26-05
Mr. Weir made a motion seconded by Mr. Thompson to approve the agenda as presented. Upon roll call, all members voted yea. Motion carried.
Resolution 26-06
Mr. Weir made a motion seconded by Mrs. West to approve the December 11, 2025, Regular Board Meeting Minutes. All in favor, aye. All opposed, no. Motion carried.
Resolution 26-07
Mr. Thamann made a motion seconded by Mr. Thompson that the Board approve the Operations Report and Payment of Bills. Recap to be made part of the CCBDD Journal. Upon roll call, all members voted yea. Motion carried.
The Board thanked the Director’s for their time and effort on writing their reports. They love all the pictures the Director’s add to their reports along with the Success Stories,
Resolution 26-08
Mr. Weir made a motion seconded by Mr. Thamann that the Board approve the Directors Reports as presented in the Board packets. Upon roll call, all members voted yea. Motion carried
County Commissioner Claire Corcoran was present to administer the Oath of Office to the Board Members. Pictures were taken.
Superintendent’s Report
Dan informed the Board, we are in the process of preparing for Accreditation. Afton Direnzi, QA Coordinator is heading this up. Documentation will be sent to the Reviewers the beginning of February. The Reviewers will be on site to conducted interviews on March 11 and 12, 2026.
Dan informed the Board they have the Oath of Office, Declaration by Member of CCBDDJ and Ohio Ethics Law documents that need signed and returned to him.
Dan provided updates to the Board as to the progress of the steps being taken to get our new levy request on the May 2026 ballot. Dan and Dave did a formal presentation to the County Commissioners on Monday, January 12, sharing our Board’s request to put the new levy on the May ballot and their reasoning for making the request. The process from there requires two formal motions and approvals from the County Commissioners before it can formally be placed on the ballot. The first action item was approved by the Commissioners on Wednesday, January 21, which is to request a resolution of necessity in which the County Auditor prepares a Certificate of Necessity. The next step takes place on Wednesday, January 28 at the Commissioners’ meeting, which is to vote to accept the County Auditors certification and to proceed with a resolution to place the levy on the May primary election ballot. If approved by the Commissioners, the final step is to finalize and process all of the above documents with the Board of Elections by the required filing date so it can appear on the ballot in May. Children Sewices and Seniors will be on the May ballot along with DD. Dan will email the Board after the Commissioners meeting on the outcome of the meeting.
Dan stated he will be scheduling levy fact presentations for those we serve, providers, community members, and other stakeholders as we head into February and March. Most of these will be offered virtually but will offer some in-person as well.
Dan will be in Columbus on Friday for the County Boards Superintendents meeting. Fiscal Sustainability will be the big topic of discussion.
Resolution 26-09
Mr. Weir made a motion seconded by Mr. Thompson that the Board approve an Allocation of Funds in the amount of $8,200,000.00 in CY2026 to be used to pay the nonfederal share of the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services and Targeted Case Management Services provided to individuals who the Clermont County Board determines under section 5126.0511 of the Ohio Revised Code are eligible for Clermont County Board Services. The Board will make additional funds avaiEable if needed to assure that these services will be available in a manner that conforms to all applicable state and federal laws. The payment of the nonfederal share represents an ongoing financial commitment for such services of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Upon roll call, all members voted yea. Motion carried.
Resolution 26-10
Mr. Weir made a motion seconded by Mr. Thamann that the Board authorize the Superintendent to enter into a two-year contract with Arley Hammons, Director of Early Childhood Services, for the period of February 20, 2026 through February 19* 2028. Upon roll call, all members voted yea. Motion carried.
Resolution 26-11
Mrs. Eschmann made a motion seconded by Mr. Thompson that the Board approve the Superintendent’s Report as presented. Upon roll call, all members voted yea. Motion carried.
Committee Report
Resolution 26-12
Mr. Thamann made a motion seconded by Mr. Weir to approve the December 11, 2025, Ethics Committee Meeting Minutes. All in favor, aye. All opposed, no. Motion carried.
The Board thanked Megan, the Students and Staff, for the wonderful gift they gave the Board for Board Member Appreciation Month. It was very thoughtful.
Adjournment
Resolution 26-13
Mr. Weir made a motion seconded by Mrs. Eschmann that the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities adjourn. Upon roil call, all members voted yea. Motion carried.
Time: 6:35 p.m.
