August 31, 2001

Honorable John Dowlin
 Honorable Tom Neyer, Jr. 

		Hamilton County Commissioners
 138 East Court Street
 Cincinnati, OH
		45202

 Dear John and Tom:

 I am writing to ask that you
		reconsider your decision this week to increase Hamilton County dog license fees
		by 44 percent. Reports indicate you were told this would bring us in line with
		other Ohio counties. This is incorrect.

 Enclosed is a compilation of updated annual charges around the state with
		nearby counties in bold type. You will note the average charge is about $10.00.
		That includes a majority of nearby counties as well as Cuyahoga.

 As you
		know I am deeply concerned for the continued success of the licensing program
		given the whopping increase. It is unfair to place the entire burden of
		supporting a program which benefits everyone on law-abiding dog owners alone.
		

 Further, if the rationale is a potentially depleted General Fund,
		there is a glaring inconsistency in reducing the real estate transfer tax last
		year (which I supported) and then adding significantly to citizens' costs of
		having a pet. 

 Sincerely, 

 Dusty Rhodes 

 cc: Honorable
		Todd Portune
 enclosure 
 
		
		ANNUAL DOG LICENSE CHARGES FROM
		  REPORTING OHIO COUNTIES 
 Compiled by Hamilton County Auditor
		  Dusty Rhodes, 8/30/01

 $15     $13 Seneca   Lucas
		$12 Athens, Fulton, Greene, Hardin, Madison, Marion, Medina, Montgomery,
		Morrow, Putnam, Williams $11Pickaway, Van Wert $10 Belmont, Butler,
		Champaign, Clermont, Clinton, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Fairfield, Geauga,
		Hocking, Holmes, Knox, Lake, Logan, Lorain, Preble, Shelby, Stark,
		Union, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wood, Wyandot $9 Mercer $8
		Brown,, Carroll, Columbiana, Delaware, Franklin (spayed or neutered)
		Lawrence, Licking, Portage, Trumbull, Tuscarawas $7 Coshocton, Monroe $6
		Ashtabula,  Highland $4 Adams, Pike