Hamilton County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hamilton County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Delinquent sewer charges at former St. Bernard Soap site
MSD certified $4.79 million in unpaid sewer charges at 5177 Spring Grove Avenue — after the owner paid off an earlier $2.7 million certification. Reece pressed MSD to chase delinquents earlier, before bills hit the millions.
Clerk of Courts Technology Update
The county's court case management system dates to 1997 and handles records for nearly every justice agency. The Clerk of Courts has taken over its governance and is working toward a full replacement, which should mean easier public access to records, better security, and fewer system outages.
MSD Sewer Lateral Assessments and Capital Upgrades
MSD brought forward a resolution to certify over $4.7 million in unpaid industrial sewer charges for an inactive industrial property in St. Bernard.
Utility Assistance and Rising Energy Costs
Commissioners discussed the high cost of utility bills and the need for more funding and state action to protect residents from repeated rate hikes by Duke Energy.
Targeted Impervious Surface Charge Pilot Program
MSD is proposing a new permit and surcharge program for about 500 large properties with over two acres of hard surfaces in the combined sewer district. Commissioners debated whether this will actually lower residential bills or just create a new bureaucracy, while expressing worries about how it affects churches and small businesses.
Stormwater Drone Technology Acquisition
The Planning and Development Department purchased an advanced AI-powered drone to conduct safe and efficient inspections of hard-to-reach hillside outfalls and stormwater infrastructure, saving labor costs without displacing staff.