Hamilton County commission approves consent agenda including 2026 tax budget, DDS lease terms and multiple contracts

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners on July 8 approved its consent agenda items 1 through 15, including appointments, the county's required 2026 tax budget estimate, an MOU related to the relocation of "DDS," multiple grant and procurement actions and two executive-session motions under the Ohio Revised Code.

The actions were approved by voice vote after the board moved and seconded the motions; Commissioners Driehaus, Stephanie Somerall Dumas and Reese each recorded "yes" votes on the listed motions. The board also approved a by-leave appointment of Rick Hynes to the Hamilton County Hospital Commission and reappointed Gabrielle Fletcher to the Hamilton County Public Defender Commission as part of the consent package.

Why it matters: The adopted tax budget is an initial, statutory estimate required by the Ohio Revised Code to start the formal budget process; the MOU for DDS includes terms to recoup $7,200,000 in capital costs and spells out tenancy and operating-cost arrangements for a facility at the Mercy Health property. Several procurement and program authorizations authorize planned capital work, vehicle purchases and social-service contracts that affect county operations and partner agencies.

Key approved consent items (as…