Homeowners in Evendale, Woodlawn, Sharonville, and Springdale will pay about $121 per $100,000 of home value each year for children's services if voters approve a levy that Hamilton County commissioners placed on the November 3 ballot August 3.

That's up from $82 per $100,000 under the current levy — a 38% increase. As we reported August 1, corridor homeowners with median-value properties could see annual increases of $200 or more.

Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas and Commissioner Denise Driehaus voted yes at a special meeting August 3. Vice President Alicia Reece abstained. She did not stand with the other two commissioners at the post-vote news conference but said during the meeting that she supports funding children's services.

What the levy funds

The four-year, 5.61-mill levy would generate approximately $117 million per year for Hamilton County Job and Family Services programs, including child abuse and neglect investigations, foster care, adoption support, and family reunification. The agency helped more than 13,000 children last year, according to WCPO.

The current levy expires at the end of 2026 and generates about $81 million annually.

"If we don't pass the levy, we go to zero," Driehaus said at the Monday meeting. "That is dramatic, and it would be a catastrophe for this county because now where are you coming up with that money?"

Without a replacement levy, the county would still be legally required to fund mandated children's services from its general fund.

Why the increase

Hamilton County JFS has already cut $36 million from its budget to address a shortfall driven by more children entering the system and rising costs of care. Ohio ranks second-lowest nationally in state funding for children's services, contributing 18% compared to a national average of 42%, according to WVXU.

The county's Tax Levy Review Committee had recommended a 6.57-mill levy costing $157 per $100,000 and generating $144 million annually. Commissioners chose the lower 5.61-mill option, which covers roughly half of what JFS says it needs for mandated services. The gap will require one-time funding sources and further cuts.

Summerow Dumas called on the state to help, noting Ohio's rainy day fund holds $3.94 billion. The levy is four years rather than the typical five; Summerow Dumas said the shorter term allows flexibility to readjust if needed.

Reece's alternative

Reece proposed a 4.78-mill levy costing about $91 per $100,000, subsidized by a portion of the county's stadium sales tax revenue. County attorneys and bond counsel said using stadium tax funds for children's services would violate state law. The proposal failed to win support.

Reece said the county cannot fund everything on the backs of homeowners and needs a new, sustainable model.

What's next

On the day of the vote, JFS caseworkers took custody of 14 children who needed a safe place and placed all 14 in homes by the end of the night. Corridor voters will decide the levy's fate on November 3.