Ohio bill aims to secure fire, EMS funds

State Reps. Kevin Miller (R-Newark) and David Thomas (R-Jefferson) introduced House Bill 778, legislation that ensures fire and EMS levies remain intact, even when tax abatements are granted.

H.B. 778 addresses a growing concern that property tax exemptions tied to economic development programs such as community reinvestment areas and tax increment financing can unintentionally reduce funding for essential public safety services. Under the proposal, property tax exemptions will no longer apply to levies that fund fire protections and EMS.

These levies will continue to be collected in full, helping ensure reliable support for the following:

—Joint fire districts.

—Township fire districts.

—Fire and ambulance districts.

—Joint EMS districts.

—Township fire and EMS levies.

“This legislation was brought to me by my local fire districts. Our first responders should always have the stable funding they need to protect our communities,” Miller said.

“When new development occurs, there are extra costs, especially with fire and EMS services. We cannot shift the burden for new growth on to current property taxpayers,” Thomas said. “Having these projects contribute to the cost of services will help keep everyone’s tax bills lower.”

The bill awaits its first hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee.