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 described by county administration): - Appointment (by-leave): Rick Hynes, Hamilton County Hospital Commission (approved). - Appointment (consent): Gabrielle Fletcher, Hamilton County Public Defender Commission (approved). - Adoption of the 2026 tax budget (statutory estimate forwarded to the county auditor and the budget commission). - Memorandum of understanding with "DDS" related to relocation to 1701 Mercy Health (allows recoupment of $7,200,000 in capital cost and sets tenancy/operating-cost terms). - Budget adjustment 25 (state grants): includes a $250,000 grant in the sheriff's office and a $178,000 transfer within an environmental services grant fund. - Agreement with OKI Regional Council of Governments for regional planning services: $276,328 (reimbursed in part by partner agencies). - Sheriff's Office vehicle purchase: four Dodge Durangos, $149,076. - Purchase of one 2026 International cab and chassis (planning and development/water rotary fund): $2,218,279. - Award of invitation to bid to Glenwood Electric for Justice Center emergency power and fuel-tank replacement: $1,991,000 (project includes small-business, MBE and WBE participation targets referenced in the bid documents). - Donation of obsolete environmental-services equipment to the Ohio EPA; solid-waste grant to the city of Loveland: $5,330 for downtown recycling containers. - Multiple Job and Family Services (JFS) agreements: youth-employment services with Harbor Behavioral Health Care ($212,808); residential treatment with Lighthouse Youth Services ($106,000); renewal with United Methodist Children's Home for family-placement services ($300,000). County staff reported total JFS items equal $6,618,808. - Zoning map amendment for case referenced as Green 2025-01 (Evsky Retail) from PUD office to planned retail (consistent with previously held public hearing).

During the consent discussion Commissioner Driehaus asked whether the Justice Center item described as "emergency" signified an existing emergency; County Administrator Jeff Aludo clarified that the phrase referred to the building's emergency power system (not an unplanned failure). That clarification was entered into the record before the board voted.

Executive sessions: The board voted to go into two executive sessions under the Ohio Revised Code: one under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(3) to confer with legal counsel about pending litigation, and another under Section 121.22(G)(2) to discuss the sale or acquisition of property. The motions to enter executive session were approved by the same recorded "yes" votes.

What the actions do and next steps: Most items approved were routine consent items that authorize spending, contracts or appointments; the tax-budget adoption starts the statutory budget process and does not constitute final county appropriations. The MOU for DDS sets capital-cost recoupment and tenancy terms for the stated Mercy Health facility; additional contract documents or board action may follow as implementation details are completed. The board will reconvene after executive session to continue public business.

Votes at a glance: Buy-leave appointment (Rick Hynes) — approved; Consent agenda items 1'15 (incl. Gabrielle Fletcher appointment, 2026 tax budget, DDS MOU, Glenwood Electric award, multiple JFS contracts) — approved; Motions to enter executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(3) and (G)(2) — approved.

Attendance and procedure notes: The meeting was convened in Hamilton County Commission Chambers; the clerk recorded roll-call voice votes for the consent and executive-session motions. The board handled the consent package without separate debate on most items; a single clarification question about the Justice Center emergency-power work was asked and answered.