SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Belmont County residents aren’t the only ones in the Buckeye State hit with outrageous property tax bills. County auditors across Ohio are warning that property owners are being taxed out of their homes due to outdated state laws that fail to keep up with inflation and shifting market cycles.
In February, the County Auditors Association of Ohio gathered in Springfield, where the issue of soaring property taxes took center stage.
Some auditors at the meeting promoted tax relief proposals, calling on residents — both homeowners and renters — to demand action from state legislators.
The reassessments, which are mandated by the state, have led to significant tax hikes for property owners. Several auditors, including those from Warren, Union, Montgomery, and Hancock (Ohio) counties, expressed concerns about the effect on renters, as landlords often pass along these costs in the form of rent increases.
Auditors expressed concern that property owners are being overtaxed which could force people out of their homes.
Despite the growing concerns, a state committee reviewing property taxes decided in December not to enact any immediate tax relief, even after a year of research and testimonies from county auditors across Ohio.
As the debate continues, Ohio’s county auditors are making it clear: without legislative action, the financial strain on homeowners and renters alike is likely to intensify.
