Cincinnati Approves $1.2B Budget with Tax Hike for Public Safety

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati's City Council has approved a $1.2 billion operating budget for 2026. The 7-2 vote on Monday included a 0.25% income tax increase. The increase is earmarked to fund police hiring and fire department expansions. The budget aims to address a $45 million shortfall, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The shortfall is driven by factors such as inflation and stagnant state aid. Supporters of the budget emphasize the critical investments in public saf