Government in Anderson Township is under the control of a three-person, elected Board of Township Trustees with a rotating Board presidency. Current Trustees are Russ Jackson, Kevin O'Brien, and Peggy Reis.
Their decisions are supported by the efforts of an elected Fiscal Officer, Ken Dietz, who is responsible for budgetary affairs and record-keeping. Day-to-day operations are guided by a professional Township Administrator and her staff and department heads.
High Quality Services
Anderson Township provides many high-quality services for its residents: its fire protection and first-response paramedics are second-to-none; the road maintenance crews of both the Township and the County usually have snow removed from the 118 miles of Township residential streets and the 68 miles of County connector roads within the Township prior to high traffic hours; the land use planning and zoning staff are working hard to obtain sound development, the reduction of sign pollution on Beechmont, and the preservation of community ambiance. Professional police services are provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office funded by both County and Township tax dollars.
The Township is actively purchasing wooded areas and wetlands as permanent Greenspace. Following a citizen-initiated petition process, residential street lighting districts, many using gaslight replicas, are being established.
Additional services are provided by other local public agencies. In conjunction with the Anderson Township Park District, residents are provided excellent park and recreation facilities. The Forest Hills Local School District is known throughout the Cincinnati area for its high-quality public education. Anderson Community Television, our local public access TV, provides training, a studio, and a township channel for individual and community group productions. The Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce is working with the Township on Beechmont Avenue beautification.
County Services
Many governmental services are provided through Hamilton County offices, such as the County Engineer (county streets, bridges), Regional Planning (subdivisions), Building Department (permits), and Public Works (storm water management). Also, several private utilities provide basic services in our area, including Duke Energy and Cincinnati Bell Telephone. Two public utilities are Cincinnati Water Works and the Hamilton County Metropolitan Sewer District. Trash removal is a private service arrangement, with several waste haulers operating within the Township.
Especially for new Township residents, we would like to summarize a few regulations. Zoning Certificates are required for such things as pools, fences, satellite dishes, sheds, decks, garages and additions. Building permits (issued by Hamilton County) also are required for these structures. Residential signs normally do not require certificates. However, such signs as well as basketball goals, tree plantings, and other nonessential obstructions are not permitted in the Township right-of-way which usually extends into "your yard" eleven feet from the curb on residential streets. Mailboxes must be mounted on breakaway supports. All new driveways must be a hard dustless surface. Also, be sure to check your deed restrictions (privately enforced) prior to new construction. Call (513) 688-8400 if you have any zoning questions.
If you have questions relating to block parties, Neighborhood Block Watches, door-to-door solicitors, or barking dogs, the Sheriff's Office stands ready to assist; call Headquarters at (513) 474-5770 or leave a message at the Township Administrative Offices at (513) 688-8400. If you have questions on fire prevention, call our Fire & Rescue Department at (513) 688-8400. Dial 9-1-1 for all police and fire emergencies.
Anderson residents have many personal and professional skills. They are encouraged to share these skills through participation in community life. Opportunities are provided through Township advisory committees and various civic organizations. We hope you will call the Township Offices at (513) 688-8400 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.) to learn more about Township services and to volunteer your expertise.