The annual cost of care for children in Hamilton County custody has surged by 70% in just three years, from $105.9 million in 2022 to a projected $180.4 million in 2025, according to hcjfs data. The 70% surge in the annual cost of care for children in Hamilton County custody, from $105.9 million in 2022 to a projected $180.4 million in 2025, puts immense pressure on county finances.
Despite this escalating need, the proposed Hamilton County children's services levy, while a 50% increase for taxpayers, may only provide about half of the agency's total needed funding for mandated services. The fiscal gap, where the proposed Hamilton County children's services levy may only provide about half of the agency's total needed funding for mandated services despite a 50% increase for taxpayers, sets up a critical decision for the upcoming 2026 ballot measure.
Hamilton County taxpayers face a difficult choice in November 2026: approve a substantial tax increase for vital children's services, or risk further strain on an already underfunded system, potentially still leaving a funding gap.
What is the Hamilton County Children's Services Levy?
Hamilton County Commissioners Stephanie Summerow Dumas and Denise Driehaus approved placing the children's services levy on the November 2026 ballot, according to FOX19 | Cincinnati and The Cincinnati Enquirer. This measure seeks a 38% increase in levy revenue, translating to a 50% increase for taxpayers.
The existing 2018 levy generates $81 million annually, according to wvxu. However, Job and Family Services (JFS) requires $144 million annually just for base-level, mandated services, and the total cost of care is projected to hit $180.4 million in 2025, according to hcjfs data. This means the current funding covers less than half of the projected 2025 costs, creating a significant and growing deficit.
Commissioner Driehaus supports a 5.61 mill levy option that would provide about half of the agency's needed funding, as reported by wvxu. This approach suggests the county is not aiming to fully close the funding gap, even with a substantial tax increase.
How Will the Levy Impact Hamilton County Taxpayers?
Hamilton County taxpayers face a 50% increase in their levy contribution, yet the proposed measure only covers about half of the $144 million JFS requires for base-level, mandated services, according to wvxu. This means residents are asked to pay significantly more for a solution that, by design, remains insufficient for the agency's full needs.
The 70% surge in children's care costs, from $105.9 million to $180.4 million, far outstrips the approved 38% levy revenue increase. This persistent gap suggests the county is locked in a cycle of reacting to escalating costs rather than proactively securing adequate, long-term funding. The burden falls disproportionately on taxpayers, who are asked to bridge a widening financial chasm.
The county's ability to provide essential children's services appears to hinge on voters approving a substantial tax increase in November 2026, yet even this may only partially address the escalating financial demands.
