Hamilton County Council District 3
The financial powers of counties are placed in the County Council, which serves as a check on the Board of Commissioners. For election purposes the county is divided into 4 districts, from each of which 1 council member is elected. In addition, 3 council members are elected from the county at large, making a total of 7. All council members are elected to staggered, 4-year terms.The functions of the County Council include:Exclusive power to fix the tax rate for county purposes and for all other purposes where the rate not fixed by law is required to be uniform, and impose the tax levyExclusive power of making appropriations to be paid out of the county treasuryAdoption of the annual budget after receiving estimates submitted by the various county agencies through the county auditor, subject to the modification by the County Tax Adjustment Board (if applicable) and the State Board of Tax CommissionersAppropriation of additional funds arising after the budget is adoptedReappropriation of surplus funds which might be surrendered by 1 department of county government in order that the funds might be made available to another departmentFixing of salaries of officers, deputies, assistants and employees whose salaries are payable from any county fund, with certain exceptions. County Councils have authority to fix the number of deputies, assistants and other employees whose salaries are payable from County fundsLevying taxes to provide funds for building new jails and repairing, remodeling, and enlarging of old jailsEstimated Current Council Salary: $40,858.94
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
Mark Hall
(Rep)
Why are you seeking elected office?
What are the most important challenges facing the County Council/Commission?
What will you do to support a vibrant economy in our county?
What changes would you make to create a more effective county government?
Because you serve both rural and urban residents, how can the needs and interests for both constituencies be addressed?
Candidate Statement
Thank you for the opportunity and the forum to focus on local issues important to Hamilton County residents.
Education
AAS Business and Computer Science
Occupational background
Founder and CEO - TalentLogistiX
Political Office(s) Held in the Past
Hamilton County Council
Campaign Phone (public)
3178321104
I first sought office years ago prompted by the poor financial oversight of my council representative. I am seeking re-election to a second term on the council to continue to serve the citizens of Hamilton County. I did not serve in the military, serving on the council is my public community service. That is the essence of why I am seeking a second term. With nearly thirty departments and hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer spending on the line each year it is important to have sound conservative business principles in place to differentiate between department needs and wants. I really enjoy this work too, that is definitely a contributing factor as to why I'm seeking a second term.
Balancing growth, and the increased demands for services, with the changes in revenue sources resulting from SEA1. As the fiscal body of county government, it's vital to maintain taxes as low as possible while adding courtrooms, domestic violence services, scalable 911 and emergency management services, jail upgrades and improved health services (among many more). With a population soon to top 400,000 residents and revenues for 2027-2029 changing from property taxes to local income taxes this will be the most difficult task of the council. Within that challenge is to maintain our strong balance sheet and resulting AAA bond rating.
Our local economy is the product of dozens of variables, many of which are not influenced by the County. Those that are, zoning, tax rates, infrastructure, and public safety among others contribute to the climate that attracts businesses and their employees thus resulting in a vibrant economy. Personally, I will support pro-business and pro-growth policies where possible.
As we continue to grow so grows county government. I would implement the use of AI in several areas (court reporting, permitting, research, scheduling to name a few). Next, I would move each department to a zero-based budgeting approach. Annually each department head would start from zero and they would be required to justify all the next years spend starting from scratch rather than starting with the prior year's budget as their starting point.
Admittedly, It's a tough balance. Especially as the county continues to lose jurisdiction of more and more rural areas. The balance really is achieved by working with and through the closest form of government to the people. Town councils, local zoning boards, township boards and trustees are the closest to the rural citizens. Personally, I attend many of these council meetings and purposefully meet with individual members often. I attend board of zoning appeals meetings and meet with citizens groups both from the rural and urban parts of Hamilton County. Listening more than speaking, answering every email and returning every call doesn't sound like it's much, but it keeps me connected to the citizenry, Urban and Rural.
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.