County auditor weighs in on Ohio property tax reform proposals

At the end of July, Gov. Mike DeWine assembled a working group to develop solutions to Ohio’s growing property tax problem. The group released its report Sept. 30, outlining 20 recommendations aimed at providing relief for residents and increasing government transparency.

In a letter to the citizens of Ohio, the group wrote, “Ohioans are facing rapidly rising property tax bills, and it is our shared responsibility to provide meaningful relief… We recognize and commend the legislature’s considerable work on this issue. Their Joint Committee on Property Tax Review and Reform held over a year of hearings and delivered 21 thoughtful recommendations… The recommendations outlined in this report build on 13 of the legislature’s proposals… They represent areas of consensus where we believe constructive compromise is possible.”

The group met with several organizations, including The Fair School Funding Plan Workgroup, Policy Matters Ohio, the Ohio Education Policy Institute, and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, while also accepting written testimony from others.

Among the key recommendations were refining the process and definition of county budget commissions, limiting carryover balances for taxing districts, and renaming certain levies for better public understanding. The group also urged greater oversight by county commissioners, closure of loopholes in property sales, and support for pending legislation such as House Bills 186, 156 and 154, all designed to provide targeted tax relief.

Other proposals included improving ballot language for clarity, restricting emergency levies to financially distressed entities, authorizing levy boards to retain interest earnings, and creating a deferral program for qualifying seniors. Recommendations also called for regular review of tax exemptions, rebalancing county reassessment schedules, limiting stability zone reductions, and considering a property tax circuit breaker program similar to those in other states.

Harrison County auditor responds

Harrison County Auditor Clint Barr said he understands residents’ frustration with rising property taxes and the uncertainty surrounding discussions of abolishing them altogether.

“Transparency in government is something that we need. That’s part of the reason I’m glad they’re doing this,” Barr said. He believes the working group’s emphasis on openness would benefit not only Harrison County but the entire state.

Barr noted that while some recommendations could tighten school district budgets, none appeared to pose a “crippling effect.” He did anticipate debate on the proposed circuit breaker tax credit and the push for clearer levy language, calling both “hot commodities” that may face pushback.

As for the idea of eliminating property taxes entirely, Barr cautioned against rushing into such a decision. “My thing is they need to figure out the system,” he said. “If they’re going to do away with property tax, how are they going to fund important services: schools, fire, EMS, things of that nature.”

Barr warned that abolishing property taxes without a replacement funding mechanism could “cripple Ohio” but said he was encouraged by efforts to reform and improve the current system.

“These are just recommendations,” he reminded residents. “They aren’t set in stone.”

For now, Barr encourages residents to stay informed and patient as the process continues. “I can’t say, as auditor, that I have all the answers,” he said. “There’s got to be give and take. We are all for property tax reform. I can’t stress that enough.”

For more information on the working group’s recommendations, visit governor.ohio.gov and search “property tax.”