Hamilton County adopts $35M in cuts and transfers to stabilize children's services levy; debate continues over ballot timing

Hamilton County commissioners voted to adopt a budget adjustment package on Jan. 29 designed to preserve solvency in the county's children's services levy through 2026.

County administration told the board that Job and Family Services (JFS) had identified a projected negative fund balance and recommended roughly $35,000,000 in transfers and spending reductions to ensure funds remain available for mandated out-of-home care and treatment services. County Administrator Jeff Alito said the measures are intended to "preserve a positive fund balance at the end of the year while ensuring sufficient dollars for the ongoing care" of children entering county custody.

The board's action adopted those transfers and reductions (the item recorded on the agenda as By-Leave 3). In a roll-call vote the commission recorded three affirmative votes and the resolution passed; commissioners said the move is a stopgap to keep services running while longer-term financing options are developed.

Commissioners debated whether to place a new or replacement children's-services levy on the May primary ballot or wait until November. Commissioner Driehaus argued the May primary offered better budget certainty and early stability for JFS operations, saying putting the measure on the May ballot "makes all the sense in the world" because "the sooner that we know what resources we have available to keep kids safe in this community, the better." Vice President Reese and other commissioners cautioned that low primary turnout and rising cost pressures on homeowners argue for greater outreach and consideration of alternatives to an immediate tax increase.

Vice President Reese pressed administration for more clarity on which programs would be cut and what the levy would fund, particularly youth-employment programs. Finance staff explained that levy reductions would be supplemented by federal funds and other pots (including TANF and CCMEP funds) and that a restored $1,000,000 in levy funds plus federal youth funding would yield roughly $5.9 million available for youth employment when combined with federal grants.

Several outside speakers and partners urged the board to preserve levy-supported services. Tricia Mullins of New Path Child and Family Solutions said demand and acuity are rising, describing "upward of 2,000 kids per year" coming through referral lists. Brooke Woodstead, a former foster youth, told commissioners the programs helped her earn a degree and urged investment to help other young people transition to independence.

Commissioners said the adopted reductions will allow JFS to continue mandated services through 2026. Several members called for more transparency about where funds have gone in past years, and for a plan to address rising per-child care costs and potential "price gouging" by some providers. The board directed staff to continue work on options for long-term financing, public education, and targeted program prioritization.

By-Leave 3 was recorded as adopted by unanimous recorded vote (three "yes" votes on the roll call), and commissioners moved on to other agenda items. The county told the board it would surface more details about specific line-item reductions and program restorations in upcoming staff reports and follow-ups.