(Hamilton)--A special meeting between the Miami Conservancy District and Hamilton City Council concerning assessment hikes for capital improvements turned into a flood of criticism for the agency for what many believe is taxation without representation. MCD Board Member Mark C. Rentschler (pictured, left)  told the overflow crowd that the improvements must be made to keep Hamilton and the region safe from events like the Great Miami River Flood of 1913 that killed 428 people, and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. City council members and business owners who spoke say flood control is needed, but the assessments are way more than they can afford, and will put them out of business. Spooky Nook founder Sam Beiler (pictured, right) says he won't be able to afford the jump in assessment from $9,000 to $477,000 per year. He called the increases "absolute foolhardiness." Some of the solutions proposed include asking for state and federal grants, or turning flood control over to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

(Images courtesy of TV Hamilton)

TV Hamilton:
Special City Council Meeting 4-18-24