COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s property tax working group met last week to review proposals aimed at easing the burden on taxpayers, sparking pushback from school leaders concerned about funding cuts.
The group is evaluating several options to provide property tax relief, including limits on school district savings accounts, restrictions on levies and new authority for county budget commissions to redirect school funds.
One proposal would cap school districts’ carryover balances, refunding any amount above the threshold to taxpayers. Another would restrict emergency levies and prohibit levy replacements, potentially requiring districts to go back to the ballot more frequently. Lawmakers are also considering counting emergency and substitute levies toward the 20-mill floor used for school funding, which could reduce available revenue.
Another controversial idea would allow a three-member county budget commission to take funds from already approved school levies if deemed necessary. A separate measure, similar to House Bill 186, would limit property tax growth with an inflation cap and provide tax credits for property owners in districts at the 20-mill floor.
School officials have warned that such measures could lead to significant funding losses for education, while county auditors and some local leaders argue that the changes are necessary to give taxpayers relief and hold schools accountable for excess reserves.
The debate highlights the difficult balance lawmakers face between providing property tax relief and maintaining adequate school funding.
The working group will continue discussions through September and is expected to issue recommendations by the end of the month.
