Hamilton County Commission

Hamilton County will fund a third round of small business assistance using leftover funding from the federal CARES Act. County commissioners voted Thursday to approve the new funding plan that includes $4.35 million for the small business program.

The Hamilton County Commission has passed a resolution to create the county's COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Relief Task Force. The task force aims to provide a rapid response to economic challenges facing county residents and businesses.

Current and former Hamilton County commissioners Monday dedicated the county administration building in honor of Todd Portune on the one-year anniversary of his death.

Hamilton County is reporting a weekly increase of 5,872 COVID-19 cases following a backlog of antigen tests being cleared throughout the state. "Our cases here in Hamilton County, when you take that out, continue to be rather plateaued," Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman said.

Tri-State counties and hospitals are preparing to receive shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine. Tuesday WVXU got more information on how it all will work when trucks start rolling in to town in the middle of December.

Hamilton County homeowners will likely get a smaller stadium property tax rebate next year. Thanks to the pandemic's effects on the economy, county administrators are recommending the rebate be funded at $5 million.

Updated Nov. 19

Hamilton County commissioners approved the following CARES Act adjustments on Nov. 19.

Hamilton County has about $10-12 million left to spend by the end of the year from its federal CARES Act allotment. It may use some of that to give an extra injection of funding to help cover COVID-19 related costs.

Hamilton County is looking at ways to boost messaging about COVID-19 precautions as infection numbers remain high.

The Hamilton County Board of Commission remains in Democratic hands after Tuesday's unofficial vote totals.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has announced procession details for the funeral services for Deputy Adam McMillan.

Hamilton County could use up to $2 million of federal CARES Act funding for a marketing effort to support struggling hotels, cultural institutions, attractions and businesses. 

Hamilton County's COVID cases are trending downward. New cases, hospitalizations and deaths from the last week are below totals from the previous week. Commission President Denise Driehaus says it shows whatever prevention measures people have followed are working.

Hamilton County has officially launched its effort to increase COVID-19 testing in the county.

Construction is expected to begin next spring or summer on a 17-story office tower at The Banks. 

Hamilton County officials say COVID-19 numbers are still plateauing but warn people should continue to be diligent about face coverings, hand washing and social distancing. Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman says the data shows declines following Ohio's mask mandate, which is seen as a positive result of the order.

Hamilton County Commission President Denise Driehaus is referring to the most recent setback with development of a music venue at The Banks as the "newest wrinkle." At issue is whether the county or Cincinnati should develop the park space on lot 23 next to the music venue site.

Hamilton County will have a new agency in charge of the dog warden function starting Saturday. The county commission awarded a $1.95 million contract for the work Thursday to the Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society. 

Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and Hamilton County Commissioner Victoria Parks are scheduled to meet Thursday concerning the latest city/county snag on building a music venue and park addition at The Banks.

Hamilton County officials said the number of new COVID-19 cases is starting to level off or slightly decrease.

Hamilton County's commission president and health commissioner are urging people to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and "double down" on safety precautions.

Hamilton County is negotiating with a Clermont County agency to provide dog warden services in the county.