Expect to get less for more from Hamilton County government in 2002. County commissioners on Monday were presented with a $2.06 billion proposed budget for next year that increases taxes and cuts a variety of programs.

        Although the total budget is larger than last year's — which was in excess of $1.8 billion — much of the budget is non-discretionary spending not controlled by commissioners. Because of decreases in revenue across the board, spending controlled by commissioners was cut 17 percent.

        If the proposed budget is approved, county residents will spend more when building a house or business, selling a home, or applying for a zoning change.

        Hardest hit are the county's neediest people. Counseling for children, job training for youth and a host of welfare initiatives were among $34 million in human services programs scaled back or eliminated.

        The Department of Job and Family Services — which manages all the county's so cial service programs — is receiving $88.5 million less in state revenue next year. In addition to the program cuts, the department used all its reserves in the proposed budget.

        The department's financial picture is so bleak that the commissioners may not be able to wait five years before asking voters for an increase in the Children's Services levy, which just passed in November and will raise $264 million during the next five years.

        Commissioners will work with county staff to tweak the proposed budget over the next month before adopting it at the end of December.

        “The good news is that we have a balanced budget,” County Administrator Dave Krings said. “That's about it for the good news.”

        And the bad news keeps coming.

        Hard economic times, combined with an Ohio Supreme Court order that could force the state to spend more than $1 billion on public education, mean tens of millions less in revenue in Hamilton County alone.

        Adding to the budget woes:

        • The state typically sends $20 million to $30 million in unused social service funds to Hamilton County each year. Next year it will be $3.5 million — after the county claimed $40 million in eligible expenses. The reimbursements will likely be eliminated altogether next year.

        • Ohio will reimburse the county for only 41 percent of its cost in running the Public Defender's office, despite state law that requires state funding at 50 percent. That means about a $1 million loss.

        • A local government fund — expected to yield $23.4 million to the county next year — will be $21.9 million, and there is talk about cutting it even more. • The Cincinnati police slowdown in response to criticism of the department after the April riots reduced county income from fines and court fees by at least $2.2 million.

        • Local sales tax revenue has trickled in at 3.6 percent less than last year. The county had projected a 3 percent increase.

        “Do we have any money for Kleenex?” Commissioner John Dowlin asked, as the figures were reviewed.

        In response to less revenue, the proposed budget increases the real estate transfer tax from 1.5 mills to 3 mills; increases building permit fees by 30 percent (an additional $115 for someone building a single-family home or one-story convenience store), and increases zoning fees by 40 percent.

        “There is nothing hidden in this budget,” Mr. Krings said. “I don't have any hidden pot of money. The bottom line is that this budget will hurt a lot of good programs and good people because we simply don't have the money.”

        By far, the most discretionary spending the county does is in the $243.7 million general fund portion of the budget. That budget includes $6 million commissioners can use for one-time programs plus about $1.5 million for ongoing programs or new programs they initiate.

        But that $7.5 million cushion isn't much, and will be the first money to dry up if there are further revenue cuts by the state. Next year's proposed general fund budget represents a 17 percent decrease from last year.

        “The state is really imposing new local taxes by balancing its budget on the backs of our citizens,” Commissioner Todd Portune said. “But the most important message we need to send to the community is that we will be open for business next year.”

        It will just cost more to stay open.

Some sources of income and how county intends to spend

Fingers pointed on police lawsuit
Jurors walk where girl was killed in 1963
World War II hero finally receives his due
Hate crime stabbing suspects caught
Hamilton Co. cuts spending
Children's to expand psychiatric treatment
PULFER: 15,000 toys to deliver
Shooter abused her earlier, restaurant victim says
'Average Joe' pleads guilty to robbery
Care training fills two needs
Good News: Food donations sought
Hamilton County has many ideas
Health staff here review CDC's smallpox response
Local Digest
Mason to vote on top honchos
Butler County forced to slash help for working poor
Congrats
Do-it-yourself pottery makes unique gift
Gasoline facilities on high alert
Ky. high court refuses to hear Kenton tax hike appeal
Microsoft deal may benefit Ky. schools
Modified Mardi Gras possible in 2002
Turfway tries comeback
Aid centers' demand up, supplies low
Where you can help
GOP official's wife enters race
Kentucky Digest
Second man pleads guilty in videotaped sex assault