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Levy committee recommends no increase to Indigent Care, Family Services levies

The committee that reviews Hamilton County tax levies is recommending flat renewals for the Indigent Care and Family Services and Treatment levies.

The Tax Levy Review Committee (TLRC) recommends keeping the Indigent Care levy on a three-year renewal cycle rather than a five-year term.

TLRC member Mike Wilson explains, "There's a lot of uncertainty still with the impact of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion here in the state of Ohio and what impact that will have on the hospitals' ability to  deliver that indigent care. We think that's going to be positive over time but, still, the magnitude of that is very uncertain so we wanted to limit the amount of time that we make a commitment going forward."

The committee is also recommending Hamilton County Commissioners bring on a healthcare officer to oversee levy spending. Committee member Chris Habel says, "There's so much money that the county is spending for very well needed and deserved (programs), at times you're wondering is it being spent efficiently and effectively... They would probably more than make their salary up... in terms of putting the taxpayer dollar where it's most effective and efficient."

Combined, the two levies cost about $61 per every $100,000 of home value.

Two public hearings on the levies will be held:

  • Tuesday, July 22 at 5:30 p.m. 138 East Court Street, Rm 603, Cincinnati
  • Wednesday, July 23 at 11:30 a.m. 138 East Court Street, Rm 603, Cincinnati

Subcommittee report on Indigent Care and Family Services and Treatment levies.

Subcommittee findings on hospital portion of Indigent Care levy.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.