Hamilton County Reopens
Actions Hamilton County is Taking
UPDATED Tuesday, November 10th, 2020: The Todd B. Portune Center for County Government has safely reopened to the public with enhanced protocols supporting social distancing, mask-wearing, temperature screenings and additional sanitation. Some departments will maintain restricted access. Please check with each specific department prior to visiting for that department's requirements. This page will be updated as new developments occur. As a reminder, many services can be performed online or by phone.
Click here for a complete list of websites, phone numbers and social media for County departments.
Effective on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, a Ohio Department of Health order mandates face coverings in public in Hamilton County. Read the order here.
Departments
Hamilton County Administration
Hamilton County Administration is continuing essential public functions while focusing on keeping employees and residents safe. Essential and nonessential employees who are able to work remotely are doing so. The Administration is in continual contact with Hamilton County Public Health and Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency and is virtually updating jurisdictions, the press and public with weekly virtual press conferences, virtual commission meetings and community briefings via zoom conferences.
The County Administration Building has reopened to the public. Hoewever, many walk-in same day services are not available at this time, so we strongly advise you to continue to interact with our office email at [email protected], by courier services, UPS, FedEx, US mail or by phone. Those entering the building will be temperature screened and must wear a mask as ordered by the City of Cincinnati. You will be asked to maintain proper physical distancing and may have to leave your documents for us to process.
Please use e-filing for all Transfers. Go to www.simplifile.com to set up an account or call 800-460-5667. Please check the Auditor’s website www.hamiltoncountyauditor.org for more information and updates. Send all mail to Hamilton County Auditor, 138 East Court Street, Room 304, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.
The BOCC activated a State of Emergency in the county to streamline purchasing policies to allow for a quicker response and open funding streams for State and Federal emergency funds. Commissioners are holding virtual public meetings via zoom. The public is urged to join the conversation or watch online here: County's YouTube Channel. The Todd B. Portune Center is open to the public however masks are required along with temperature checks at the door..
The Hamilton County Board of Elections Office are open to the public. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. Our vestibule is open during office hours with a self-serve station to register to vote or to submit a Vote by Mail application. Please check out the Board of Elections website for updates or call 513-632-7000.
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office is closed to those with non-essential Coroner business. Families are encouraged to call 513-946-8700 (option #1) and speak with an investigator about their individual needs. Alternative body release procedures have been instituted and communicated to the local funeral home community. Those with specific body release questions should call the morgue directly at 513-946-8740. Alternative evidence submission procedures are in place and have been communicated to the law enforcement community. Those with specific evidence submission questions should call the laboratory directly at 513-946-8750.
Hamilton County DD Services (HCDDS) serve many people who are especially vulnerable to a virus like COVID-19, so they have a particular responsibility to do everything in their power to reduce risk for their staff, providers, and people they support. HCDDS continues to follow guidance from state and local health officials. Their buildings continue to have limited access and most of their staff will continue to work from home through at least the end of 2020. You can find more information about their response plan, updates, and more here. You can also email them at [email protected]
The Hamilton County Engineer’s Office administrative operations at the Todd B. Portune Center for County Government to the public will be limited, including drop off only service via mail slot in window of Room 700. The Hamilton County Engineer Eric Beck is urging the public to call 513-946-4250 with questions or concerns.
For Tax Map Operations, please use electronic filing via simplefile - https://simplifile.com/ or
Traditional postal services such as the US Post Office and various parcel carriers.
For Engineering Operations, please email contact through normal departmental contacts, use the website contact page and information or use traditional postal services such as the US Post Office and various parcel carriers:
TODD B. PORTUNE CENTER FOR COUNTY GOVERNMENT
138 East Court Street, Room 700
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Environmental Services is open to the public. We request that office visitors make an appointment in advance by calling 513-946-7777.
Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District continues to provide support for recycling and waste reduction, including webinars. Please visit their website at hamiltoncountyrecycles.org or call the Recycling Hotline at 513-946-7766.
The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency continues to provide daily Air Quality forecasts while maintaining its monitoring network and responding to critical air quality complaints. Residents may also find pollen and mold counts at southwestohioair.org.
Contact Environmental Services by phone at 513-946-7777.
Gov. Mike DeWine has urged all those doing business with JFS during the Covid-19 pandemic to conduct that business via phone, email or online. Here are some important ways to contact or do business with Hamilton County JFS: Phone: 513-946-1000 Fax: 513-946-1076 To apply for benefits: 1-844-640-OHIO (6446).
There is also a new drop box outside of our main entrance for paperwork for any program (FAA, Child Care, Child Support) but not for payments. Please remember to include your name, DOB, SSN, and case number.
Public Assistance Programs
Call 1-844-640-6446 to apply, renew, or make changes for cash, food, or medical assistance. You may also visit www.benefits.ohio.gov - This site allows you to apply, renew, or make changes for cash, food, or medical assistance.
Fax your documents to (513) 946-1076 or drop off documents to the drop box located in front of our building at 222 E. Central Parkway.
Prevention Retention Contingency (PRC)
If you wish to apply for Prevention Retention Contingency (PRC) assistance, please apply on line at
https://www.hcjfs.org/services/workforce-development/
Job Search Assistance
For job-search assistance, please contact OhioMeansJobs at 946-7200, or visit https://jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com/
Child Support
For child support related questions please contact our customer service call center at 946-7387 (SETS) or our online customer portal at:
https://jfs.ohio.gov/ocs/custservwebportalwelcome2.stm
Child welfare
Child Abuse/Neglect – This is more critical now than ever as there are fewer eyes on kids.
24 hour hotline for child abuse or neglect contact: 241-KIDS (5437)
Inquiries about foster care and adoption contact: 632-6366 or visit our website at www.hckids.org
Active cases: please contact the assigned caseworker. Complaints or concerns on active cases contact: 946-2466
Adult Protective Services
APS investigates allegations of elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of those adults 60 and over in Hamilton County. Our hot line is 24 hours at 421.life (5433). Our fax number is 513-946-2260.
Pandemic child care
Essential workers may be eligible for pandemic child care. The essential list can be found at http://jfs.ohio.gov/CDC/ To enroll with a pandemic location, contact the selected provider and the provider will have forms to complete. There is a search function at the above website for pandemic locations.
View additional updates on the
Job and Family Services website.
The Law Library has reopened, with restrictions. See lawlibrary.hamiltoncountyohio.gov for more information.
Great Parks of Hamilton County’s parks and facilities are open, including its playgrounds, trails, golf and disc golf courses, fishing access points, and more. Please check out their website for updates.
The Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board office is closed to the public until further notice. Staf can be contacted via phone or email. Click here for staff contact information.
Planning + Development is now open to the public.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the processing and issuance of building and zoning permits in Hamilton County may be delayed. Building and zoning permits will be processed in the order they are received. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and customers.
Although the Planning + Development customer lobby is open, customers are urged to continue to do business online or over the phone when possible. Most all applications can also be submitted by mail, with limited submissions online (see Online Applications under Building and Inspections webpage).
All public meetings are currently being conducted virtually. Information should be posted online for most commissions or boards associated with the Department (see Boards and Commissions page under the main Planning + Development Page).
Please contact (513) 946-4550 if you have any questions.
The Prosecutor's Office will be operating with reduced staff for the next 30 days. They will maintain a receptionist at their main number 946-3000 during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please check out the Prosecutor's website. Also, follow the Prosecutor on Facebook for updates.
HCPH is working with the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor and test for COVID19. We strongly recommend people purchase permits, birth and death certificates online. Visit www.hcph.org. However, should someone not have access to a computer, they are able to come to the lobby for the purchases. To ensure social distancing, when there is more than two parties in our lobby, they are given the option to wait in their car until their certificates or permit paperwork has been processed. They are then called so that they can pick up their completed paperwork.
Hamilton County Purchasing is continuing essential public functions while focusing on keeping employees and residents safe. The building is open to the public and we encourage you to practice the social distancing requirements when entering. Any person entering the building will be required to wear a mask while they are in the building. Due to current health and safety recommendations, a public opening of Invitation to Bids (ITB) or Request for Proposals (RFP) will not be held in person, but a Zoom conference option will be available. See the ITB or RFP document for details. ITB and RFP results are anticipated to be available within 24 hours of the opening and Purchasing staff will send you the results as soon as possible. We will continue to keep employees and residents safe.
The Todd B. Portune Center for County Government, 138 East Court Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 has opened to the public. Hamilton County Recorder Employees will be working from the office and are here to assist you, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Recorder is reminding the public that Electronic Filing (or E-Filing) of deeds and other legal documents conveying property ownership is available in Hamilton County. This service is available to title companies, attorneys and other trusted entities through our service provider, Simplifile (call 800-460-5657 or visit their website at www.Simplifile.com to set up an account).
Many documents are online and copies can be made free of charge from the convenience of your home or office, and can be found here: https://recordersoffice.hamilton-co.org/hcro-pdi/. Documents may be dropped off for recording at the Recording Desk in room 205. Other options include mail UPS, Fed Ex, etc.
Questions? Call 946-4588 or 946-4561 or visit www.recordersoffice.hamilton-co.org
For the Copy Department, call 513-946-4575
For copy requests, email: [email protected]
In an effort to ensure the safety of our staff as well as our clients, virtual client engagement will resume until further notice.
All client engagement and referrals will take place via phone. Reentry staff will be available by phone to provide client support and accept referrals for service.
If you need to refer a client or have a client that is in need of our services please call 513-946-4304 between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday through Friday until further notice.
We can also be reached via email, at [email protected].
Please view the River City Correctional Center website for updates on visitation and programs.
Keep up with the Sheriff via Facebook and Twitter. Read the latest news on his press release page.
The Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District will reopen its office to the public effective August 17, 2020. The District will still be able to provide its full depth of services remotely via our website and phone.
The office environment is regularly disinfected. Masks and hand sanitizer are available to visitors.
Treasurer Goering reminds taxpayer's that the due date for Real Estate Tax payments was 7/17/2020. It is recommended that taxpayers make their payments by mail or by credit card or E-check through Point & Pay. Email [email protected]
The Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission is urging the public to call 513-946-3300. Please call the general number or email through the website.
Courts
In an effort to comply with the latest directives from the State of Ohio and to continue to take necessary measures to keep our staff and the public safe while providing essential services, effective immediately, access to the Courthouse will be limited to those who are conducting or are necessary to critical court proceedings: attorneys, witnesses, victims; law enforcement with search warrants; press; parties to critical court proceedings; no more than 2 immediate family members will be permitted to observe critical court proceedings.
On June 17th, additional
COVID-19 related court orders and information was amended, requiring health screens and facial coverings in order to access the Courthouse, Justice center, or 800 Broadway. Notable changes include requirements of face coverings for all entering the Courthouse, Justice Center and 800 Broadway accessing court services. You may also view the Hamilton County Courts website for more information.
The Clerk of Courts is taking steps to protect courthouse employees and the public. The Clerk has enhanced online services to reduce the need for visits to the courthouse. Please visit their website for online payments and filing options.
Clerk of Courts Title Office: All title branches are closed to the public. Auto dealers, watercraft dealers, and mobile home dealers should contact the Clerks’ office at 513-946-4650 to process titles or visit their website for online payments and filing options.
The Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court has taken many proactive steps to maintain essential functions while prioritizing access to justice and safety. For information, please call 513-946-9000 or visit our website at https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/courts/court_of_domestic_relations.
For updates on Juvenile Court, check out their website or call 513-946-9375 for questions regarding 800 Broadway. For questions related to the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center, call 513-946-2623
The Hamilton County Probate Court has begin to reopen access to the Magistrates’ offices for questions or approvals and the Assignment Desk on the 10th floor under certain guidelines.
The Accounts Department will remain closed to in-person reviews at this time. Please continue to leave all accounts in the basket on the information counter. There will be no access to the Magistrates’ lobby without first stopping at the Information Counter for the review of documents that need to be presented to a Magistrate. Only upon the Clerk’s approval can you enter the Magistrates’ lobby. No one is allowed to access the Magistrates without wearing a mask or facial covering. Only 4 individuals are allowed in a Magistrates’ office at any one time. Chairs have been set up in the lobby and the Magistrates’ offices to ensure social distancing.
The same protocols regarding hearings are now required when visiting a Magistrate in person.
The Accounts Department will remain closed to in-person reviews at this time. Please continue to leave all accounts in the basket on the information counter. There will be no access to the Magistrates’ lobby without first stopping at the Information Counter for the review of documents that need to be presented to a Magistrate. Only upon the Clerk’s approval can you enter the Magistrates’ lobby. No one is allowed to access the Magistrates without wearing a mask or facial covering. Only 4 individuals are allowed in a Magistrates’ office at any one time. Chairs have been set up in the lobby and the Magistrates’ offices to ensure social distancing.You may view the Administrative Order here. Please review our local rules and website for online, fax and mail options to make Court filings. Visit our website at www.probatect.org to attain necessary Court forms, Court Records, and make payments through our Cashier's Office.
Effective June 4, 2020 the REVISED MARRIAGE LICENSE PROCESS caused by the COVID-19 health crisis will end. At this time, the marriage license process will return to normal operations. As of June 1, 2020, the Court officially opened for same-day in-person applications and license issuance. Visit https://www.probatect.org/marriage-license/marriage-licence-process for details. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact Marriage License Clerks at 513-946-3564.