Proposal to Eliminate Property Taxes in Ohio Gains Momentum
A bold initiative to abolish property taxes in Ohio has taken a significant step forward, stirring both excitement and concern across the state. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost approved the petition title and summary for a proposed constitutional amendment titled “Abolishment of Taxes on Real Property.” Spearheaded by the Cuyahoga County-based Citizens for Property Tax Reform and the Committee to Eliminate Property Taxes in Ohio, this proposal aims to add Section 14 to Article XII of the Ohio Constitution, effectively banning property taxes. However, the journey to the ballot is far from over.
The Path Ahead
Now that Yost has greenlit the petition, the Ohio Ballot Board must determine whether the proposal constitutes a single or multiple amendments. If certified, petitioners face the daunting task of collecting signatures from registered voters equal to at least 10% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election, approximately 443,000 signatures, across at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Moreover, each county must contribute signatures equivalent to 5% of its last gubernatorial election votes. If successful, the amendment could appear on the ballot in a future election, potentially in 2026.
Why This Matters
Property taxes, which generate about $20.3 billion annually, are a cornerstone of funding for Ohio’s schools, police, fire departments, and infrastructure. For instance, two-thirds of these taxes directly support education. Consequently, eliminating them could disrupt these critical services, as the proposal does not outline alternative funding mechanisms. On the other hand, supporters argue that skyrocketing property taxes, driven by a 34.7% average reappraisal increase in 2023, have burdened homeowners, particularly seniors. Beth Blackmarr, a spokesperson for the reform group, emphasized, “We’re being taxed on windfalls that we haven’t seen.”
Opposition and Concerns
Nevertheless, critics warn of dire consequences. State Sen. Bill Blessing called the proposal “terrible,” predicting fierce opposition from local governments and school districts. Additionally, columnist Leila Atassi highlighted that abolishing property taxes could devastate Ohio’s already strained education system, potentially tripling sales or income taxes to compensate. For example, border counties like Toledo could see shoppers flee to avoid higher sales taxes.
A Polarizing Debate
As the proposal advances, Ohioans face a complex choice. While relief from rising property taxes is appealing, the lack of a clear funding alternative raises red flags. Therefore, the coming months will be crucial as petitioners rally support and opponents sharpen their arguments. Ultimately, this debate could reshape Ohio’s fiscal landscape for years.
