Hamilton County budget

There are few surprises in the proposed 2019 Hamilton County budget. Commissioners knew for months there was a nearly $29 million deficit, and Administrator Jeff Aluotto warned repeatedly that without a new revenue source, balancing the budget would come down to cuts.

So, Monday's unveiling of Aluotto's proposed budget wasn't a huge shock to anyone. It includes roughly $21 million in cuts and $8 million in new revenue in the form of fee hikes.

Hamilton County administrators are targeting a 2019 budget that's about $42 million less than what county departments requested.

It's also about $19.3 million less than what county leaders project to spend this year.

A law firm is threatening to sue over Hamilton County's embattled sales tax. A letter from attorney Robert Pitcairn, Jr. of Katz Teller says since the resolution was an emergency measure, Ohio Revised Code required a unanimous vote. The two Democrats on the board, Todd Portune and Denise Driehaus voted for the tax. Republican Chris Monzel voted against it.

Hamilton County commissioners have approved a sales tax increase to deal with next year's budget shortfall. The two-tenths-of-a-cent hike will take effect in October as Hamilton County faces a $28 million deficit in 2019.

An expected $28-million general fund budget deficit has Hamilton County commissioners looking for fixes. County Administrator Jeff Aluotto has explained the why, and one possible fix: a quarter-cent sales tax.

At Monday's staff meeting, Aluotto presented options for another revenue increase  - fee increases for cities and townships - and for spending cuts.

Hamilton County's administrator is proposing a new sales tax to pay for operations. Jeff Aluotto says without new revenue, Hamilton County faces a $28 million deficit for 2019.

A sales tax increase is on the table as Hamilton County leaders warn of a $20-30 million budget deficit for 2019. County Administrator Jeff Aluotto says it will be the worst deficit since the great recession.

Hamilton County's budget is facing challenges again. Revenue for the second quarter of the year isn't expected to meet projections. The county now expects to bring in about $2.2 million less than forecast for the second quarter of the year. The revised prediction comes as spending is also about $2.2 million more than budgeted.

Hamilton County Commissioners have submitted their proposals as the county administrator prepares to introduce a spending plan for the rest of 2017. The board adopted a continuing budget in January to give new Commissioner Denise Driehaus input with her priorities.