Hamilton County commissioners appear willing to fill in some of the budget gouges made to programs for the poor.

        At a public hearing Monday on the 2002 budget, the county's three commissioners said they would spend more money for social service programs.

        More than $30 million was cut from social services in the proposed budget Administrator David Krings handed to commissioners two weeks ago. It now appears the com missioners will commit to social service programs most of an $8 million cushion they have in the $243.7 million general fund budget.

        The big question is how to split that money among the handful of agencies that had their budgets slashed.

        That question won't be answered until commissioners approve a final budget, most likely on Dec. 26.

        A cutback in state spending on welfare reform, sluggish sales tax receipts and state social service money being diverted to other causes such as education have led to a lean budget year.

        Among the cuts:

        • Programs providing services to young mothers.

        • Summer jobs programs for youth.

        • Cash assistance and job training for those at risk of going onto welfare.

        George Blake, chairman of Accountability & Credibility Together (ACT), said social service agencies that typically compete for money have been successful at working together this year.

        Mr. Blake's agency was proposed for a $3.1 million cut this year — its entire budget. His group provides one-time cash assistance for such things as back rent or car repairs if their clients agree to attend job-training classes.

        “We think we've created an agency that can do things to get people from welfare to work that the county can't do,” said Mr. Blake, whose organization is asking for $1.8 million for 2002.

        Commissioner John Dowlin stressed that the extra social service money is a one-shot deal.

        “I'm willing to commit $5 million to social service programs,” Mr. Dowlin said. “We need to continue work on jobs and welfare to work. But if things don't get better, then it's done.”

        Commissioner Tom Neyer said he might approve up to $7 million for social service programs. Some of that money should be directed at specific programs, he said, and a portion should go to the county's Department of Job and Family Services to use as it sees fit.

        Those decisions will be made in the coming week.

        “It's time to say yes to a few and no to a lot,” Mr. Neyer said.

        An additional $7 million in social service spending is just the beginning of Commissioner Todd Portune's budget proposals.

        Mr. Portune also wants to spend $8 million on emergency preparedness; $3 million on storm water fix-ups; $6 million on economic development; and about $2.5 million for criminal justice items.

        He said the budget can be revised to pay for the items.

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