Hamilton County Commissioners

If you are a young person – Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative – and you look to build a career in politics and public service, you would do well to look to Todd Portune as your role model.

Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune announced Thursday he won't seek re-election next year.  He told supporters his cancer has returned and a round of chemotherapy treatments has not stopped it from spreading.

As Hamilton County officials look to balance next year's operating budget, they're getting a little help from Ohio lawmakers.

Ohio lawmakers approved the state's two-year operating budget in July, and now local officials are getting projects lined up hoping to be included in the state's capital budget next year.  

Hamilton County residents will see two property tax renewal levies on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Hamilton County commissioners could vote in a few weeks on a resolution to set up a task force to study the future of the county fair.

Hamilton County voters could see a couple of renewal property tax levies on the November ballot.

Hamilton County commissioners have approved a 2019 budget. It's $18 million less than what would have been spent had it mirrored this year's spending plan.

The woman who will be the third Democrat on the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners says she will work hard for Democrats who supported her during the campaign. And Stephanie Summerow Dumas says she'll work harder for the Republicans who didn't because, "I represent everyone."

Since it was created to offset a sales tax increase, Hamilton County's property tax rebate has gone up and down. That is to say property owners have received the full amount in some years and less in others. Commission President Todd Portune would like to bring some stability to the rebate, or at least give taxpayers what he says they have coming to them.

Hamilton County commissioners have less than a month before they have to approve a 2019 general fund budget. Two of the three commissioners are releasing their takes on what the budget should look like.

Hamilton County commissioners have more than a month left before they have to approve a 2019 general fund budget. They'd like to approve a spending plan before that though. At the third and final public hearing on the budget Tuesday night in Colerain Township, they heard "compelling testimony" and "cogent arguments" against some of the proposed cuts.

Hamilton County's property owners might not get the same tax rebate in 2019 they did this year. County Administrator Jeff Aluotto is recommending a $5 million property tax rebate, instead of the full amount.

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.

Three townships in northwest Hamilton County could lose sheriff patrols. Hamilton County could go without preventive maintenance for 190 outdoor warning sirens. And the county's 911 emergency center could increase the fees it charges communities for answering calls.

A Hamilton County Judge is, for now, blocking Cincinnati from raising water rates in unincorporated parts of Hamilton County.  

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.

It's time to get moving on the proposed music venue at The Banks, according to county leaders. Hamilton County commissioners are directing the board's administration to proceed with negotiations on the southwestern lots of The Banks, known as lots 23, 27 and 28.

Hamilton County voters won't get a chance this November to decide on whether they want to increase the sales tax next year. And they likely won't have to worry about paying two-tenths of a cent more during purchases in 2019 either. Commissioners rescinded the sales tax increase, under threat of a lawsuit.