Meeting summary:

  • The approval of the county budget is a high priority for the commissioners.
  • Despite the uncertainty of the current fiscal climate, the recommended budget is balanced and will be thoroughly analyzed before approval.
  • Hamilton County continues to respond to community needs created by the federal government shutdown and SNAP changes.

Documenter’s follow-up question:

  • Could commissioners adjust the public safety section of the recommended general fund budget to support other community services/areas of need?

 Notes

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners meeting took place at the Todd B. Portune Center for County Government, 138 E. Court St. in downtown Cincinnati, and was called to order at 10:02 a.m.

Operation Green Light Week

There was a proclamation recognizing Nov. 4 to Nov. 11 as Operation Green Light Week in Hamilton County. Beginning this week, this initiative allows county buildings to display green lighting to honor veterans.

Glenn Welling, executive director of the Hamilton County Veterans Services Commission, spoke about the high risk of suicide for veterans during their first year post-service. He shared his goal of making Hamilton County No. 1 in the nation for transitioning veterans.

Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas added, “I want to live where there is not one homeless veteran on the street.”

Northwest Local School District thanks commissioners

Northwest Local School District Superintendent Darrell Yater and Treasurer Amy Wells expressed gratitude for the commissioners’ courage when they decided not to move forward with the piggy back tax credit. Yater and Wells presented the commissioners with framed student artwork as a token of appreciation.

2026 administrator’s recommended budget 

Jeff Aluotto, Hamilton County administrator, presented the 2026 budget recommendation.

This presentation focused on the county’s recommended general fund budget of $402.4 million, which, according to Aluotto, is the county’s primary operating fund.

The county’s recommended budget is mostly devoted to public safety as it occupies about 40% of the proposed plan. 

Highlighted trends in the budget include a reduction in revenue growth and need for community services continuing to rise as pandemic relief options are ending. 

Aluotto also highlighted a continuation of becoming more sales tax-dependent as “revenue growth is flattening.” According to Aluotto, relying on sales taxes for revenue growth is risky. There will also be added risks to the recommended general fund budget should certain levies not receive renewal. 

The recommended budget includes a plan for a 3% wage increase to aid in staff retention and reward. In hopes to maintain fair compensation, Aluotto added the goal to “keep up with this when possible in order to not have to catch up later.”

Despite changes in revenue, $1 million is still being recommended for economic development, plus an additional $1 million for affordable housing. 

In the midst of a government shutdown and frequently changing financial climate, the recommended budget was reported as balanced. 

“I won’t sugarcoat it – this was a difficult budget to balance,” Aluotto said.

Dumas said there are some programs the county will no longer be able to facilitate, adding, “We’re going to have to take the icing off of the cake.” 

Both Commissioner Alicia Reece and Commissioner Denise Driehaus requested detailed line items of each section to be included in future presentations. 

Driehaus referred to certain county programs as “catalytic,” and while she understands many of the budget cuts, she said, they have proven to be critical to the community.

Departments will begin to come in to discuss matters regarding the budget starting next week until public hearings are held on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9. Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming commissioner meetings for questions, comments and concerns.

Community support 

GeneroCity 513 employees continue to do great work with only four staff members, officials said. Dumas reported 2,600 encounters supporting unhoused community members.

Government workers are still being furloughed. The 513Relief Bus has added a mobile pantry initiative that will launch Monday, Nov. 10. In partnership with Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church, the 513 Relief Bus will also offer $150 to $300 gift cards to government workers who are on furlough.  

These notes can be found on documenters.org.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalcincinnati.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

Find more Documenters’ notes on Cincinnati City Council here.