Hamilton County administrator recommends $402.4 million general fund budget, proposes $1 per $1,000 transfer fee to fund housing

Hamilton County Administrator Jeff Alito presented the administration's recommended 2026 budget to the Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 6, saying the recommendation is a proposal for the board to consider rather than a final budget. The all‑funds plan totals $1,375,000,000 and the recommended general fund budget is $402,400,000, an increase of about $12.7 million (roughly 3 percent) over 2025.

Alito said the recommended general fund budget is balanced. "The recommended general fund budget is balanced, for those watching at home," he told the board, adding that the presentation reflects the administration's view and that the board will hold public hearings and make the final decisions.

Why it matters: the general fund supports the county's basic services, including the sheriff's office and county jail, courts, elections, 911 operations and social services. Alito told commissioners those public safety and judicial functions account for the majority of county spending and stressed the difficulty of balancing growing service demands with relatively flat revenue growth.

Key numbers and policy choices - All funds (the county's total budget across more than 80 funds): $1,375,000,000. - Recommended general fund: $402,400,000 (up…