Wednesday, Dec. 10: Cincinnati Deficit + Protest Payout + Teacher Strike
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Cincinnati deficit doubles as business tax revenue plunges
Cincinnati faces a projected $32.1 million deficit for fiscal year 2027—twice last year’s estimate—due to rising labor costs and a steep drop in business tax revenue. The general fund shortfall comes as federal pandemic relief winds down and net profits tax revenue falls 35% year-over-year. Despite a $40 million surplus from fiscal year 2025, officials say the city’s expenses are growing faster than revenue. City Council will soon vote on a tentative tax budget, with possible cuts and tax hikes ahead.
Council questions city paying bulk of 2020 protest settlement
Cincinnati City Council members are questioning why the city is covering nearly all of an $8.1 million settlement with protesters arrested during the 2020 racial justice demonstrations, while Hamilton County contributes just $65,000. At their meeting yesterday, council’s public safety committee reluctantly advanced the deal for a full council vote. Some members, including Chair Scotty Johnson, defended police actions and questioned the settlement’s fairness. City Solicitor Emily Woerner said the deal avoids a potentially costly trial and federal oversight of police operations. Roughly 480 plaintiffs—most charged only with curfew violations—will receive about $10,500 each, with additional funds for extended detentions or injuries.
Ross teachers prepare strike as salary talks reach impasse
Teachers in the Ross Local School District are preparing for a potential strike after more than three months of contract negotiations. The Ross Education Association has authorized a 10-day strike and secured a lease for a strike headquarters, though no official strike date has been set. Union members say they’re seeking changes to the salary schedule to help retain teachers and argue they’ve made too many concessions in the past. The district says its proposal allows for long-term salary growth while protecting financial stability. Talks between both sides are still ongoing.
Black-owned Develocode builds ethical tech for community safety, accessibility
A Black-owned Cincinnati tech company is gaining attention for using software to drive social impact. Develocode, founded by Marcus Casswell and Dennis Smith, builds tools for mission-driven startups addressing public safety, accessibility, and community wellbeing. Among its standout projects: a contactless policing app designed to reduce traffic stop violence, and a wearable system that helps caregivers and police support people with cognitive disabilities. Casswell, a self-taught developer, says his company prioritizes ethical tech and community outcomes. Develocode also uplifts local innovators through its Founder Fridays video series.
UC herbarium digitizes 125,000 specimens to track ecological change
The University of Cincinnati is digitizing its 125,000-specimen herbarium to support nationwide climate and ecological research. With funding from the National Science Foundation, the Margaret H. Fulford Herbarium is photographing its vast archive—including type specimens, mosses, wood samples, and rare orchids—for use by scientists across 700 partner institutions. Curator Eric Tepe says the collection helps track environmental change, from vanished wetlands in Northside to southern species now thriving in Ohio. Though not open to the public, the herbarium is seeking volunteers.
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