Hamilton County commissioners embraced putting an increased levy on the November ballot for Children's Services with their Aug. 3 vote of approval. Commissioner Denise Driehaus sealed the deal by emphasizing the stakes: "If we don't pass the levy, we go to zero (funding). So I just want to be very clear: we don't go back to where we started. We go to zero."
Zero. Yes, Commissioner Driehaus, that is the nuclear option and risk you have now chosen. The county has opted to roll the dice at the ballot during a time when the cost of living is high, and voters' attitudes about taxes are low.
Maybe a good first step would have been to go for a renewal levy while getting Children's Services' house in order. Based on the increase the county is seeking,
costs have been spinning out of control for some time. Passing this increase will be a heavy lift at best.
What is the plan B, Commissioner Driehaus, if voters reject this nuclear option you and the other commissioners have chosen?
Steve Deiters, Oakley
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hamilton County makes a risky Children's Services levy bet | Letter
