Hamilton County commissioners approved a significant supplemental appropriation and several JFS contract renewals during the consent agenda.

What passed: Administration flagged budget adjustment number 51 to include a $15,000,000 supplemental to the children's services levy to cover increasing placement costs in Job and Family Services (JFS). Separately, the board approved multiple JFS contract renewals and single-source authorizations totaling $8,800,000 for residential treatment, mentoring and independent living services.

Why commissioners raised concern: Commissioner Summer Dumas and others warned that increasing provider rates present a structural problem: commissioners want to provide continuity of care but also need strategies to control provider costs. "We just cannot afford it," Summer Dumas said, noting intent to work with JFS and the new director to develop cost-management strategies.

Implementation and oversight: Administrators said these appropriations and renewals are to ensure service continuity for children and families; commissioners asked staff to pursue strategies to limit future cost growth and reported plans to work with provider networks.