Hamilton County Job and Family Services

The existing levy generates $81 million per year. The Hamilton County Tax Levy Review Committee finds $144 million is needed just to continue paying for services Job & Family Services is mandated to provide.

Board members have been hearing about the solvency of the levy fund for months.

Inflation, increased programs and costs, and the end of some federal funding have combined to draw down the levy fund.

The director of Jobs and Family Services says the voter-approved levy can't keep up with rising costs.

The decision to cut these extra benefits was made at the federal level, and Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece says cutting these extra funds was a mistake that comes at the wrong time.

More than 6,700 people have been granted assistance. There's roughly $10 million left to give out.

Michael Patton is the first African American to serve as director of Hamilton County Job and Family Services. He credits previous department leaders who helped inspire and teach him, and says he hopes to foster the same kind of mentoring for others.

Job and Family Services, or JFS, is the largest department in the county. It oversees child protection, workforce development, and all public programs for food, cash and medical assistance.

Issues 1 and 29 - focused on children services and money for Great Parks of Hamilton County respectively - passed, while Issue 3 - an amendment to Cincinnati's charter sponsored by State Rep. Tom Brinkman - failed.

Commissioner Denise Driehaus says the increase is necessary to keep up with more children in need of services.