1. Balance the budget and restore the County’s reserves to a healthy level. The County faces the possibility of a debt downgrade if it does not restore the reserves that have been almost entirely depleted by spending money renting beds from Butler County. Ending the fiscal meltdown, including balancing a projected $35 million deficit, must be priority number one.

2. Reduce Recidivism and Reform the Justice System. Particularly without resources for new jailspace, the best way to resolve the overcrowding crisis is to reduce the rate of recidivism and reform the system. The Plan advances numerous ways to continue the work that began earlier this year on these goals, and will pursue any funding possible to support such initiatives.

3. Reduce Juvenile Crime and Prevention. The County must pursue reforms and investments that reduce juvenile crime, add diversion efforts, and improve the juvenile justice system’s effectiveness at keeping young people from becoming adult criminals.

4. Address Long-Term Space Needs. With the budget stabilized and reforms moving forward, the County will be better able to make responsible short- and long-term space decisions regarding jailspace, including exploring renting space at lower cost from Kentucky, and identifying long-term resources to do this responsibly.

“We need to take a deep breath, and pursue a responsible process to get us out of the bind we are in,” Portune said. “We need everyone to understand that we must balance our budget first, before we responsibly tackle our safety concerns that must begin with reforming the system."

The Commissioners plan incorporates some of the suggestions made by fellow Commissioner DeWine, along with other opponents of Issue 27. The Commissioners also welcomed input from all citizens on how to best move forward.