By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

Clermont County could have a new title office in the Cherry Grove area of Union Township as early as February if everything goes according to plan.

Alice Fricke, chief deputy clerk for Clermont County, said the county is waiting for bids for a new title office location.

“It was published yesterday so we’re hoping someone will be interested in bidding the project,” Fricke said about the process.

Fricke said they have looked at several potential sites in the Cherry Grove area, and are hoping they receive bids for a location in that area.

“We thought that would be a good location to better serve the people of the county,” Fricke said.

She said the county currently has title offices in Milford and Batavia and saw the need to open a third office.

“We want to be as close to the county line as we can get,” Fricke said. “We’re hoping to not only serve Clermont County but also Hamilton County, and also serve all those dealers on Beechmont. That will make it much more convenient for them.”

Fricke said the bid opening is scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 16.

She said if they receive bids and decide to move forward it will still take 3-4 months to go through the process required by the state to open the office.

“We’re excited about the possibility to open another office,” Fricke said.

If the office is opened, Fricke said it could bring in additional revenue to the county.

Fricke said title offices are self-funded, but any surplus funds are declared as surplus and are put into the county’s general fund. She said in the past three years, the title offices have brought in approximately $400,000 per year.

“We’re hoping with this third office we will generate even more funds,” Fricke said.