Meeting summary:
- Much effort is being put into creating solutions for current property tax increases.
- The current federal government shutdown will impact local funding and assistance.
- Systems must and will be created to better track funding being provided to vendors in an attempt to prevent predatory pricing, according to commissioners.
Documenter’s follow-up question:
- How will the board of commissioners and other local offices adjust to changes resulting from the current government shutdown should it be prolonged?
- How will the board address predatory pricing within the social services industry?
The meeting took place at Todd B. Portune Center for County Government, 138 E. Court St. Cincinnati, and began at 10 a.m.
Reporting Board Members in Attendance:
| Administrator Jeff Aluotto |
Commissioner Comments:
Property taxes Commissioner Alicia Reece said county commissions across the state and country are looking into ways to address current property tax issues. According to Reece, Hamilton County is looking to make moves similar to those Warren and Butler counties have made. According to Commissioner Denise Driehaus, the state’s Property Tax Reform Working Group is working to address issues regarding the increase in property taxes. It received 20 recommendations for relief solutions that have gone to the governor. Lawmakers are already working on items discussed in recommendations. Expanding the homestead exemption is a recommendation that could be implemented most quickly, Driehaus said. Budget/Funding Reece participated in the 2025 County Budget Forum. She referenced Administrator Jeff Aluotto’s sentiments during the forum that “In 2025 we are good and are just planning for what might happen in 2026.” Reece discussed the need for different approaches to current issues, as we are living in unique times, and suggested “leveraging every dollar we spend”. She spoke about current housing issues, specifically highlighting seniors. A group recently created a senior tenant union. Reece suggested looking into funds going to the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) housing voucher program, as there are 2,000 applicants waiting for placement. Government shutdown Driehaus acknowledged the current government shutdown as the destabilization of local offices. She highlighted the possible impact if it were prolonged. Driehaus said there are reserves available to continue local assistance, but those reserves are “limited.” Reece requested more information about the one-time support option available via Jobs and Family Services (JFS) to aid essential government employees who will have to work without pay as a result of a government shutdown. |
| By-Leave Items Motion to approve the two by-leaves regarding seeking outside legal counsel and consultation were both passed by commissioners. |
Consent Agenda
In response to Items 2 to 4 regarding JFS funding and reimbursements, Reese said she would like to “keep an eye on” funding going to vendors providing services for youth.
According to Reece , vendors have not been participating in requests for proposals and instead using “demand and urgency to triple and quadruple price.” She said the use of these predatory methods to drive costs hidden under the “guise of helping children” is wrong, and she would like to create a system to better track appropriate pricing and expose these vendors.
Alutto said predatory pricing is a state and nationwide trend. It is an issue seen especially amongst group home and independent living providers. According to Alutto, the commissioners office is currently working with JFS to provide updated reports more regularly so the board can keep track.
Motion to approve all items was passed.
These notes can be found on documenters.org.
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