State Representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and David Thomas (R-Jefferson) held a press conference on Apr. 22 in Mason, Ohio to discuss recently enacted property tax reform measures led by House Republicans. The new laws, including House Bills 129, 309, 186, and 335, are intended to limit sudden increases and provide over $3 billion in direct property tax relief for residents.
The topic is important as many homeowners across Ohio have faced concerns about rising property taxes. The new legislation aims to address these issues by introducing caps on certain tax increases and providing more flexibility for local governments.
“I want to thank Mayors Messer and Styrcula for stepping up to reduce the impact of rising property taxes on their communities,” said Mathews. “With the additional tools offered to local communities following action by the Ohio General Assembly, local leaders are empowered to make the best informed decisions they can to balance the needs of local government while keeping the burden of property taxes as low as possible.”
Thomas said he wanted “to remind our taxpayers of the large reform changes to the property tax system we accomplished this past year. Had the legislature not acted Ohioans would have paid over 3.8 billion dollars more just in the next three years.”
Warren County residents are expected to receive $39.3 million in relief from House Bill 186 between tax years 2025–2027. In addition, House Bill 335 will cap inside millage starting in tax year 2027 for further savings in Warren County.
House Bill 443 is still under consideration; it would prevent counties from enforcing foreclosure due to unpaid property taxes if a homeowner is at least age sixty-five or a qualifying surviving spouse living in a home valued under $750,000 while making monthly payments toward any outstanding balance.
The package also includes an inflation cap credit through House Bill 186 that limits school district tax increases above inflation rates while holding districts harmless for actual losses compared with current collections. Changes also expand owner-occupied credits with more than $800 million expected in additional relief over four years.
Other measures include capping inside millage growth via House Bill 335 and updating how emergency levies count toward limits under House Bill 129—lifting some districts off mandated minimums—and expanding options for fiscal recovery levies during times of distress or disaster declarations.
Mathews has chaired several organizations such as Elizabeth’s New Life Center—a network of women’s centers—and served as Vice Mayor of Lebanon according to his official biography. He resides with his wife Amanda and their five children according to his official biography and represents Ohio’s fifty-sixth district according to his official biography. He has also chaired sections within legal associations and served on multiple boards according to his official biography, including serving as Vice President of the Notre Dame Club of Dayton according to his official biography.
“While these are major and necessary reforms, more is needed,” Thomas added. “I remain committed to continuing to advance commonsense, pro-taxpayer solutions.”
