Hamilton County Commission

The 147-year-old building started as a department store.

Commission President Denise Driehaus says every year the board has to balance the rebate amount with the needs of the stadium fund.

Commissioners have been asked to approve $12.7 million more in spending for next year, though revenue growth is flattening as inflation, wages, and needs rise.

The commissioners did not vote on expanding the homestead exemption or the owner occupancy credit at their meeting Thursday.

Expanding the homestead exemption and owner occupancy credit would cost taxing jurisdictions in Hamilton County close to $40 million annually.

House Bill 96 allows counties to provide additional relief to homeowners by doubling two existing state property tax exemptions.

Hamilton County commissioners approved an additional $150,000 of grant funding for the festival Thursday.

Hamilton County is facing a $60 million gap between requests and revenues as it puts together its 2026 budget.

Ohio’s unclaimed funds division is holding $4.8 billion from inactive bank accounts, utility bills, and other forgotten sources. County Commissioner Alicia Reece says nearly $270 million belongs to Hamilton County residents.

Metropolitan Sewer District Director Diana Christy says the increased cost of constructing a new pump station at the Mill Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant may require rate increases, but not large ones.