Hamilton County's administrator says balancing the 2026 budget will be "challenging” because of a growing gap between requests and revenues.

Jeff Aluotto presented Tuesday at the Hamilton County commissioners' Budget Forum.

He says the county started this budget cycle facing a $60 million gap, the highest he’s seen.

“I don't know that I recall a $60 million gap between requests and revenues since I've been here,” Aluotto said. “Maybe we've been close. I know we've been in the 40s, maybe approaching 50.”

Budget requests from departments and offices are increasing year after year, Aluotto says.

At the same time, the county’s revenue growth is plateauing. Aluotto says economic uncertainty, falling interest rates, and a slowdown of sales tax growth are all factors.

“This is not an indict

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