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Commissioners approve large-event grants after debate; vote 2-0-1 on item 15
Summary
Hamilton County commissioners approved the administration’s recommended awards under the county’s Large Tourism Event Grant program (item 15) after public testimony from event organizers; the vote passed with one abstention.
Hamilton County commissioners approved item 15 — the county’s Large Tourism Event Grant award round — after public testimony and commissioner discussion during the March 13 meeting. The motion passed with two votes in favor and one abstention.
Commissioner Denise Dreehaus voted yes; Commissioner Stephanie Summer O'Dumas recorded an abstention; Commissioner Alicia Reese voted yes. The board did not record a named mover or seconder on the public record prior to the vote. The vote was called after staff and multiple event organizers described economic impact and outreach plans.
Event organizers who addressed the board before the vote included Susan Fisher, executive director of America’s River Roots, who asked the board to support the administration’s recommendation for $350,000 in large tourism event grant funding; Rick Griewy, co-chair of America’s River Roots, described the planned five-day festival and a projected regional draw; Joe Santangelo, president of Santangelo Group, said the Cincinnati Music Festival’s prior economic-impact study cited 2017 figures and that an updated study was planned; Doug Olberding, CEO and president of PigWorks, described the Flying Pig Marathon’s volunteer base and economic footprint.
During discussion, commissioners debated timing and budget priorities. Commissioner Summer O'Dumas said she preferred retaining some budget reserves for basic needs and expressed concern about continuing multi-year subsidies. Commissioner Alicia Reese and the board majority framed the grants as an investment that returns hotel and sales-tax revenue; Reese noted the county has hotel-night data and argued reinvestment in major events has produced measurable tax receipts.
The board approved the item by roll-call: Driehaus — yes; Summer O'Dumas — abstain; Reese — yes. The administration said the awards would follow the administration’s recommendation; specific award amounts for recipients other than America’s River Roots (which applied for $350,000) were not read into the public record during the vote. Commissioners asked staff to enforce timing language in grant agreements so unused funds could be reallocated.
