Proposed income tax increase – Episode 42

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Funding Priorities for Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Attachment reconciliation highlighted

 

In this episode, we discuss the recent proposal to increase the earnings tax in Cincinnati, examining the city’s financial situation, including the impact of COVID relief funds and previous tax increases.

The podcast argues that the city has sufficient funds and questions the justification for the proposed tax hike, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in city budgeting.

Takeaways :

The city has received significant revenue increases recently

COVID relief funds were intended for more than just operational costs.

The earnings tax increase proposal lacks a solid justification.

The city has not fully utilized the COVID relief funds available.

There is a concern about overlapping funding for city projects.

The earnings tax increase is seen as a political maneuver rather than a necessity.

The current city budget is substantial, raising questions about the need for more taxes.

Historical context shows a shift in the city’s taxation approach.

Transparency in city budgeting is crucial for public trust

Future discussions will focus on the city’s financial management and tax proposals.

 

Raising Taxes – Episode 41

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In this episode of Citizen Watchdog, Todd Zinser discusses the complexities of taxation in Cincinnati, focusing on the recent tax increases, historical context, and the implications of government spending. He critiques the current city council’s approach to managing taxes and budgets, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency in public finance. The conversation also touches on the impact of property tax reassessments and the potential for earnings tax increases, urging listeners to remain vigilant about government financial decisions.

A correction is necessary just for accuracy purposes. At approximately 13:20, the gross increase in county property tax collections was understated. He said the increase was $128 million; the correct figure for all of Hamilton County was approximately $184 million, which includes the $54 million increase for the City of Cincinnati.  The error understated the county-wide increase but the overall point remains the same.

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Dissecting Cincinnati’s $8.1 million settlement – Episode 40

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In this episode, we examine the recent $8.1 million settlement approved by the Cincinnati City Council regarding a class action lawsuit stemming from the protests following George Floyd’s death. The episode looks at the public’s reaction, the council’s handling of the situation, and the broader implications for law and order in the community.
Takeaways
The $8.1 million settlement was approved by the Cincinnati City Council.
Public outrage stemmed from the perception that the city was rewarding rioters.
The council’s due diligence in the settlement process was questioned.
There was a significant disparity between the city’s settlement and the county’s penalty.
The tactics used by police during the protests were scrutinized in the lawsuit.
The settlement reflects a broader trend seen in cities across the country.
The city opted for a settlement to avoid a potentially larger jury award.
Public communication about the settlement was poorly managed.
The council’s lack of thorough questioning raised concerns about accountability.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community relations.

Inside the City’s Lead Pipe Scandal – Episode 39

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Join us on Citizen Watchdog with Todd Zinser as we unravel the complexities of the city’s lead service line replacement program, which has been running for several years. This episode uncovers startling revelations from a recent audit that found significant mishandling of the scrap lead pipes, intended for recycling, that mysteriously went missing over a five-year period. We explore the implications of this oversight, the environmental hazards it might pose, and the city’s accountability in ensuring proper disposal of these potentially toxic materials. We’ll also discuss the procedures the city employed to protect workers, but question whether these measures are sufficient or merely scratching the surface of a much larger issue.

 

Fraud Indicators in the WIC Program – Episode 38

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Could Cincinnati transform its city services by handing over the reins of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to Hamilton County? Tune in as Todd Zinser dissects the historical and financial intricacies of Cincinnati’s administration of this vital nutrition initiative. With a substantial $3.5 million budget in play, Todd grapples with the perplexing lack of transparency in fund allocation between city and county residents. The deep dive zeroes in on the alarming gaps in the internal audit, revealing a failure to meet Generally Accepted Government Accounting Standards (GAGAS) and exposing weak internal controls over EBT cards, crucial for program integrity.

Holding Leaders Accountable in Cincinnati – Episode 37

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What if your neighborhood was quietly being reshaped by unregulated group homes, or if the seniors in your community were living in appalling conditions?

In our latest episode, we pull back the curtain on a host of pressing issues facing our city, starting with the growing concern over group homes in East and West Price Hill.

We also examine the shift in how schools manage truancy, moving from truant officers to innovative absence intervention teams. Our journey doesn’t stop there.

We tackle the complex world of government contracts and grants, focusing on identifying and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.

This conversation is not just about oversight; it’s about empowering you, our listeners, to play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability.

Visit my Facebook page or www.cincinnatiwatchdog.com to share any insights or information you might have.

 

The Watchlist – November 2025

Episode 36 – Breaking Down Mayor Aftab’s “Accomplishments.”

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Is Mayor Aftab over-hyping his achievements ? Join Todd Zinser as he unravels the truth behind his claimed milestones in Cincinnati. From the largest infrastructure grant in U.S. history to groundbreaking financial programs, Todd scrutinizes the reality of these declarations. Was the credit for the Brent Spence Bridge grant truly earned, or are we seeing a puffed-up narrative? And those so-called “baby bonds”—are they really what they seem, or just 529 savings accounts with a misleading label? Todd lays it all out, from grant funding discrepancies to the complexities of city finances managed by nonprofits, inviting you to question the transparency of it all.
Todd sifts through promises of 40,000 new housing units and bold zoning changes. Are these goals feasible, or just political smoke and mirrors? Todd’s critical eye also lands on the hefty millions poured into public safety upgrades—will these truly translate into safer neighborhoods? Lastly, Todd tackles crime prevention initiatives like Act for Cincy, pondering their real impact in the absence of concrete results.

The Collaborative Agreement Refresh – Episode 35

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This episode tries to put the Collaborative Agreement in perspective. There is no longer a formal agreement and perhaps the solution is for all the parties to negotiate an actual agreement rather than keep touting the Collaborative Agreement as if it is still a formal agreement and as if we all know exactly what it means.

The Research Library has a collection of documents concerning the Collaborative Agreement and Refresh.

Review of Iris Roley’s contracts – Episode 34

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City contracts should prioritize the public good, but Cincinnati’s recent agreements with Iris Roley raise serious questions. Why would a city bypass competition and transparency in awarding contracts? Todd scrutinizes the city’s decision-making process, the financial stakes at play, and the city manager’s ongoing review. Caught on body-worn cameras, Roley’s role in police collaboration has drawn criticism, especially from the Fraternal Order of Police. Yet, the city dismissed these complaints, leaving us to wonder about the implications for public trust and accountability.

In our latest Citizen Watchdog episode, we peel back the layers on procurement irregularities within Cincinnati’s government. Uncovering unauthorized commitments, missing documentation, and the peculiar attachment of the Government Square Initiative to Roley’s contract, we expose systemic issues that could undermine taxpayer value. The unfair competitive advantage rule kept Roley from bidding on a program she helped craft, highlighting a critical conflict of interest. Join Todd for an engaging exploration of these pressing issues and the urgent need for transparency and integrity in public contracting.

 

 

Zinser Ltr 10.6.25

Mayor Pureval’s Conflict of Interest with a City Funded Non-Profit – Episode 33

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On September 23, 2025, I sent a letter to the mayor and city council about the mayor’s membership on the Board of Directors for Cintrifuse. He has been a member during his entire term, still is. The mayor’s membership on the board creates a conflict of interest because Cintrifuse receives “leveraged Support” funding from the city.  As a city official who has a fiduciary duty to the city, his membership on the Board creates a divided loyalty to the city and Cintrifuse. That creates ethics issues.

During the mayor’s term, Cintrifuse has received more than a million dollars from the city. The letter is posted below. Episode 33 tells the story about how the mayor’s conflict came to light and what corrective action was proposed in my letter.

 

Ethics Letter to City Hall 92325_compressed