Despite the siren call of no more property taxes, handcuffing state and local governments would be a disaster: Thomas Suddes

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 9:36 am

Ohio Voters Could Vote to Abolish Property Taxes: A Deep Dive

A potential ballot initiative in Ohio could see voters deciding the fate of property taxes, a move that could drastically reshape the state's financial landscape. Driven by frustration over rising property tax bills, a grassroots organization, Citizens for Property Tax Reform, is seeking to amend the Ohio Constitution to eliminate all real estate taxes.

The group, led by Lakewood Republican Keith Davey, needs to gather over 413,000 signatures to put the proposed amendment on the ballot. The amendment, if passed, would prohibit the state and local governments from collecting any property taxes, impacting land, buildings, and improvements.

The implications of such a drastic change are significant. In 2022, Ohio homeowners and other real estate owners paid a record $19.5 billion in property taxes. This revenue stream is crucial for funding essential services, with approximately 60% of property tax revenue going to support Ohio's public school districts. The article highlights the potential for devastating cuts to local governments, public services, and schools if property taxes were abolished.

The article also points out the complexities of Ohio's property tax system, including the impact of House Bill 920, which aims to limit property tax growth. However, the bill's complexity and numerous exceptions have led to ongoing debates and the need for school districts to repeatedly seek additional funding through levies. The author criticizes the Ohio General Assembly for focusing on other issues while neglecting the pressing concerns of Ohio homeowners.

BNN's Perspective: While the desire to alleviate the burden of property taxes is understandable, completely abolishing them presents significant risks. The potential for crippling cuts to essential services, particularly education, is a serious concern. A more balanced approach, focusing on property tax reform and addressing the underlying issues driving rising costs, would be a more prudent path forward. The state legislature needs to prioritize this issue and find solutions that protect both taxpayers and vital public services.

Keywords: Ohio property tax, property tax abolition, Ohio Constitution amendment, real estate taxes, Ohio schools, local government funding, Ohio General Assembly, Keith Davey, Citizens for Property Tax Reform, House Bill 920, Ohio ballot initiative, property tax reform, Ohio voters, property tax relief, school levies, Ohio finances.

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