Reps. Barhorst and King Introduce Unveil Legislation to Protect Ohioans from Sudden Property Tax Hikes

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Tim Barhorst (R-Fort Loramie) and Angie King (R-Celina) today announced the introduction of new legislation to give county budget commissions more authority to limit sudden property tax increases and provide relief for Ohio homeowners. 

“The goal of this legislation is to bring the decisions back home and to the local county elected,” said Rep. Barhorst. “The future of property tax bills should be more in control by those who know their county best.”

The proposal will empower county budget commissions with additional flexibility to prevent sudden tax spikes while ensuring stable, predictable funding for schools and local governments.

“Local communities are looking for options to protect their residents from sudden spikes in property value increases,” said Rep. King. “This legislation gives local officials the ability to freeze revaluation increases and stabilize property taxes for working families and seniors.”

The legislation includes the following provisions:

• Authority for County Budget Commissions (CBCs): CBCs may reduce property tax levies after the first year to avoid unnecessary or excessive collections.
  • Renewal levies will not be treated as “first-year levies” and will therefore be eligible for reduction the first year after voter approval.
  • Reductions may only be applied to maintain collections at the prior year’s level. Levy revenue cannot be reduced below that threshold.
  • This provision mirrors a budget item vetoed earlier this year, but unlike that proposal, does not distinguish between levies enacted by majority-elected versus non-majority-elected boards. 
• Safe Harbor for Schools: Schools that levy less than 20 mills of property tax for current operating expenses—due to forgoing additional revenue or operation of the 20-mill floor—will be protected from losing state funding under the bill.

The bill awaits a number and committee assignment.