Warren-Clinton News

State Representatives Adam Mathews and Thomas Hall have introduced legislation aimed at promoting transparency and preventing unfair property tax levies in Ohio. The bill seeks to prevent local governments from proposing replacement property tax levies without full disclosure to voters. It also aims to prohibit local governments from filing certain property valuation complaints.

Under the current system, replacement levies can result in unexpectedly higher taxes for property owners, as the taxable value of affected properties is updated and frequently raised without the knowledge of voters. The proposed legislation would require local governments to either renew existing levies or propose increases or new levies directly, ensuring that voters are fully informed about the proposals and their impact on taxes.

The bill also addresses existing loopholes that allow local governments to raise property values through local boards of revision without following the restrictions set in place. By closing these loopholes, the legislation aims to protect homeowners and reduce tax increases, ensuring that local governments abide by the safeguards put in place to safeguard taxpayers and promote transparency.

Representative Mathews emphasized the need to address the concerns of Ohioans regarding their property taxes. He stated, "This bill puts the power over property taxes where it belongs: with the voter and the homeowner." Representative Hall echoed this sentiment, expressing his commitment to working on legislation that protects Ohio homeowners and addresses rising property taxes.

The bill is currently awaiting assignment to a House committee, where it will undergo further review and consideration.

To find out more, go to this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/adam-mathews/news/mathews-and-hall-introduce-legislation-to-bring-transparency-to-tax-levies-and-prevent-unfair-property-value-challenges-117629