(The Center Square) – Property owners and voters throughout Ohio could soon have one less ballot measure to worry about.
Legislation working its way through the Legislature prohibits taxing entities from placing replacement levies on the ballot, and supporters believe the move could reign in tax increases as property values grow.
“I’ve heard a significant number of concerns about the rising property taxes from District 45,” said Rep. Jennifer Gross, R-West Chester. “This is just the beginning of what the General Assembly can accomplish for the taxpayer.”
The effort to stop replacement levies has been active for more than a year. Similar legislation failed to clear last year.
House Bill 28 would stop local governments from proposing replacement property levies, which some believe mislead voters and result in tax increases.
The plan would not impact renewal levies, a continuation of an expiring levy, or stop local governments from proposing new levies.
A series of government agencies – including the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, school boards, school administrators, libraries and the Ohio Municipal League – all opposed the bill, saying replacement levies are critical to maintain services.
“Renewal levies are generally passed by voters at higher rates than replacement levies, yet replacement levies remain an important option for political subdivisions to have in order to maintain needed services for residents in growing areas,” said Kent Scarrett, executive director of the Ohio Municipal League.
HB28 is one of several in the Legislature dealing with property taxes.
One recent proposal would shield older Ohioans living on fixed incomes from rising property taxes.
Another would increase the property tax exemption for veterans significantly disabled and continue to endure health issues as a result of their service.
