Why are Hamilton County voters and taxpayers frustrated and angry with local politicians? One needs to look no further than the ongoing Hamilton County sales tax drama for an explanation.

In the summer of 2018, Hamilton County commissioners unilaterally passed an increase in the county's sales tax rate in order to fill what was called a "budget gap." Nearly 40,000 voters voiced their displeasure by signing a petition to referendum the tax so that voters could decide. The commissioners pulled the tax from the ballot and 40,000 voters were ignored.

In October of 2019, the commissioners, once again, cited a budget shortfall as a reason to continue indefinitely the "Icon" sales tax voters passed in 2014 (to fund improvements at Union Terminal). That 2014 tax included a "sunset" clause – a promise that the tax would end after five years. I suspect that many of the 140,000 that voted in favor of the tax were influenced by the fact it would someday end. Ultimately, three commissioners overruled the limited consent of many of these voters and shifted the 0.25% sales tax revenue from the museum to the general fund.

What makes the actions of the commissioners even more peculiar is that Hamilton County residents appear to love taxes. In fact, since 2000, 37 of 39 different levies, renewals, and taxes of a countywide nature passed. That is a rate of 95%. Yet, the county budget shortfall that is such a pressing need that the county commissioners took it off the ballot in 2018 and slipped in the 2019 sales tax extension without a countywide vote.

This is intriguing enough. But, of course, this is Hamilton County and there is more to the story. First, extending the 0.25% museum tax will raise approximately $40 million a year. Yet, the county estimates the "budget gap" is $20 million a year. Where does the additional $20 million a year go?

The minutes of the Oct. 15 commission meeting provide some answers. In an email dated Oct. 10, Commissioner Denise Driehaus suggested that the local 9-1-1 detail rate would fall from $16 to $5. As a result, local governments would enjoy a $3 million windfall should the commission overrule the sunset provision and shift the 0.25% museum tax revenue to the general fund.

In addition, local governments would now be able to apply for grants to help with "economic development." Driehaus remarked that "this will have real consequences for your community and constituents." It very much sounds like an offer local governments cannot refuse. Certainly, it appears that Hamilton County government benefits from the deal. And, the commissioners can cynically claim "no new taxes."

The politicians can be happy – the county, the commissioners, and local governments all get more money to fund their programs. However, what we really have is county and local government serving each other and not its constituents.

So, ultimately, our commissioners have broken a promise made to over 140,000 voters in 2014 regarding the museum tax, ignored the 40,000 voters who signed a petition in 2018 to put a sales tax increase to a vote and attempted to manipulate local governments into supporting the tax scheme by offering them a piece of the action.

We are talking about real dollars and real lives. In 2014, Hamilton County voters passed a tax with a definite end date. If the county needs more money, they should do what the museum did and make their case to the voters.

I urge you to visit for more information. I also encourage you to go to the polls this Nov. 5, where volunteers will be collecting signatures to put this issue on the ballot and give you a voice on how your tax dollars are spent.

Matt Wahlert lives in Colerain Township and works as a local high school teacher and university professor. 

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