Warren-Clinton News

State Representative Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) has expressed support for two recently passed bills in the Ohio House of Representatives, aimed at addressing rising property tax burdens across the state. Peterson voted in favor of House Bill 129 and House Bill 309, describing them as measured steps toward reform.

“We passed important legislation this week to reduce the dramatic increases to property taxes. While there is more work to do, these bills are critical steps in property tax reform,” said Rep. Peterson.

House Bill 129 would require several types of school tax levies—including emergency, substitute, incremental growth, conversion levies, and the property tax portion of combined income and property tax levies—to be included in the calculation known as the “20-mill floor” for school funding purposes. Currently, around 200 school districts use emergency and substitute levies to benefit from increased property values while also collecting guaranteed annual revenue not counted toward the 20-mill floor calculation. If enacted, HB 129 would ensure that these levy rates are included when a district undergoes its regular reappraisal or update, potentially limiting unvoted increases in local taxes.

House Bill 309 would give County Budget Commissions expanded authority to adjust levy millage if they determine that a local government would receive unnecessary or excessive property tax collections. The bill also seeks to clarify existing powers held by budget commissions and aims to increase transparency regarding unvoted revenue windfalls.

Both bills were approved within the state budget and received unanimous recommendations—with minor changes—from the Governor’s Ohio Property Tax Working Group, which includes leaders from schools and local governments.

The legislation now moves on to the Senate for further consideration.