Buckeye Reporter

The Buckeye Institute presented testimony before the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, supporting policies in House Bill 309 that would allow county budget commissions to reduce property tax levies when collections exceed amounts approved by voters. The bill is among ten recommendations from the organization aimed at addressing rising property taxes in Ohio.

Greg R. Lawson, a research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, stated, “House Bill 309 puts another tool in the tax reformers’ toolbox to help fix Ohio’s property tax problem.” He also advised lawmakers to implement measures to ensure reductions do not undermine funding for intended purposes or reflect commissioners’ personal preferences over voter decisions. Suggested guardrails include establishing clear metrics for excess revenue, setting timeframes for possible cuts, and limiting the size of reductions.

Lawson expressed support for Representative Thomas, who introduced the bill. “Representative Thomas [is] taking a step toward a more efficient local government structure and property tax system,” he said. Lawson encouraged further efforts to reduce property tax burdens by streamlining local government structures, referencing Ohio’s more than 600 school districts and thousands of taxing entities across the state.

Ohio has one of the highest local tax burdens in the country as a percentage of income. In fiscal year 2022, it ranked eighth nationally—up from twelfth in 2021—due in part to its complex municipal income tax structure and fragmented local governance system.

The Buckeye Institute has recommended additional reforms such as eliminating unfunded state mandates that prompt local governments to raise taxes and encouraging resource sharing or consolidation among municipalities. These steps aim to lower excessive levies while maintaining essential services.

For more information about The Buckeye Institute’s proposals on property tax reform and local government efficiency, visit https://www.BuckeyeInstitute.org/LocalGovReform.