Hamilton County approves sale of Paycor Stadium items after debate over costs and proceeds

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt Resolution PO24-26 authorizing disposal and sale of county-owned property removed during Paycor Stadium renovations. County Administrator Jeff Alito said Ohio law requires board authorization before auctioning or disposing of county property and recommended the board approve the measure.

The resolution was introduced as a by-leave item because construction timelines require prompt action. Alito said staff identified items with residual value (stadium chairs, televisions, memorabilia) and will reserve those for auction while disposing of remaining material. "The board has indicated...we wanted to provide opportunities for residents to have a chance to acquire some of the stuff that has some sentimental value," Alito said.

Commissioners questioned the financials. An initial memo listed a $100,000 maximum cost to move and secure items; Alito and stadium staff later told the board that the realistic moving cost is closer to $8,000 and that staff are working to minimize security costs. Commissioners also discussed auctioneer fees (noted in the transcript as an $8,000 estimate plus a 20% commission) and that net proceeds would return to county coffers though the precise fund (general fund vs. stadium sales-tax fund) will be clarified with the prosecutor's office.

Commissioner Alicia Reese pressed staff on process and timing and asked whether auction proceeds could be directed to children's services; Alito said proceeds would go back to the county and that the board could, by policy choice, direct revenue to specific purposes if permitted. Reese said she could not support moving forward without firmer numbers. President Stephanie Summer O'Dumas moved to adopt the resolution; the motion passed with two yes votes and one abstention.

What passed: Resolution PO24-26 authorizes sale and disposal of Paycor Stadium property removed during renovations and directs staff to proceed with securing and auctioning items under the constraints discussed. The board instructed staff to continue efforts to minimize net cost and to follow up with the prosecutor's office about the correct revenue account for auction proceeds.

Next steps: Stadium and purchasing staff will finalize logistics and a timetable for auction; staff indicated they expect to complete initial movements and secure items within a matter of weeks. The board requested follow-up reporting on final costs and net revenue.