Two special tax levies that cover health care for the poor and special services for children will not appear on the May ballot as expected.

        In a surprise vote Wednesday, Hamilton County commissioners decided, 2-1, not to include the health and hospitalization levy or the children's services levy in this spring's primary election.

        The decision means both levies will appear on November's general election ballot. It also means that each will have just one shot to win voter approval, or expire.

        Commissioners John Dowlin and Todd Portune voted against putting the taxes on in May. Commissioner Tom Neyer voted in favor.

        “There was a big rush to get something on the May ballot; and while my heart wanted to do everything I could, my mind told me it would be a mistake,” Mr. Portune said.

        Mr. Dowlin said he is against levies being on spring ballots as a rule, and felt allowing these two on in May would set a bad precedent.

        He was also troubled that the children's services levy hadn't been examined by the commissioners' Tax Levy Review Committee, and that the health and hospitalization levy was rushed through the process.

        The health and hospitalization levy was asking for $50 million a year over the next five years, a 36 percent increase.

        The children's services levy, which provides counseling and other services for the young, was not asking for an increase. It generates $39 million per year.

2 levies won't be on spring ballot
Marijuana easy to get, teens say
New probation chief likely today
Bearded suspect says he can't be clean-shaven robber
Man gets prison for girl's death
3 of 4 plead guilty in taped sexual assault
CPS plans to increase diversity of its suppliers
Board accepts Wiley's resignation
Seniors, college students click in computer class
White privilege remains strong, speaker insists
Woman who made report is indicted
City likely to ease home building permits
Congressmen rap Eminem
Developer, council member argue over city funding practices, request
Fire unit lays off third of force
Former P&G worker accused of stealing data
Four districts seek levies in May
Gallatin creating plan for growth
Heart patients sought for national study
Income vs. spending: lifestyle lesson
Kids may need consent for piercing
Ky. business, Canada official extol trade
McConnell to visit N. Ky., raise money for Kenton Co. GOP, self
Middleton to fight slander suit
Ohio local officials seek money to fix bridges
Schools chief makes levy last goal
Suspect pointed gun, witness says
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report