A grassroots movement to abolish property taxes in Ohio has cleared its first major hurdle, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic shift in how the state funds schools, local governments, and public services.
On May 14, the Ohio Ballot Board certified a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban property taxes statewide. The proposal, submitted by a group called Citizens for Property Tax Reform, now heads into the petition phase, where supporters must collect at least 413,487 valid voter signatures to qualify for the ballot. The group is aiming for the November election — an ambitious goal given the July deadline.
Years of Frustration Boil Over
The movement comes after years of mounting frustration from homeowners, particularly since property values — and tax bills — have surged across the state. Critics of the current system say it unfairly penalizes young families, retirees, and working-class residents, many of whom are being priced out of homes they’ve lived in for decades.
“Thanks to inflation, property taxes are wildly out of control,” Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik said in a statement backing the amendment. He supports either freezing property values at purchase prices, expanding the homestead exemption for seniors, or eliminating property taxes altogether.
The effort reflects widespread discontent with the state’s patchwork response to rising tax bills. Though Ohio lawmakers have debated reforms for years, they’ve failed to deliver comprehensive relief. The Ohio House’s latest proposal — to lower taxes in school districts with higher cash reserves — has faced backlash from school officials and some legislators who argue it could weaken education funding.
Local Impact: Millions at Stake in Adams County
The stakes are especially high for communities like Adams County, where property taxes fund critical public services and schools.
According to the Adams County Auditor’s Office, nearly $6.9 million in property taxes are collected annually for county operations, including levies approved by voters for the health department, senior services, developmental disabilities, Children Services, 911 Communications, and EMS.
Local schools are among the largest beneficiaries of property tax revenue. The Manchester Local School District collects approximately $2.5 million in property taxes each year.
The Adams County/Ohio Valley School District brings in over $13.4 million annually — a figure that includes a $1.2 million voter-approved bond issue passed nearly 20 years ago to build new elementary schools.
However, actual collections are often lower than expected, with millions of dollars in delinquent taxes owed by local property owners. Some say this is likely a sign that current tax rates are unaffordable for many residents.
SIDEBAR: Village and Township Property Taxes Fund Local Essentials
In addition to county and school funding, villages and townships across Adams County rely on property taxes to maintain essential services such as fire protection, cemeteries, police, road maintenance, and other local needs.
Here’s a look at what’s collected annually in property taxes at the local level for various services including fire, roads, cemeteries and general municipal and township services:
Townships:
- Bratton Township – $112,000
- Brush Creek Township – $28,000
- Franklin Township – $250,000
- Green Township – $83,000
- Jefferson Township – $74,000
- Liberty Township – $88,000
- Manchester Township – $69,000
- Meigs Township – $230,000
- Monroe Township – $55,000
- Oliver Township – $166,000
- Scott Township – $257,000
- Sprigg Township – $93,000
- Tiffin Township – $132,000
- Wayne Township – $169,000
- Winchester Township – $89,000
Villages:
- Village of Manchester – $245,000
- Village of Peebles – $341,000
- Village of Seaman – $296,000
- Village of West Union – $222,000
- Village of Winchester – $190,000
These revenues are vital for small communities, many of which operate with limited resources and rely heavily on locally approved tax levies to maintain services.
Fierce Debate at the State Level
State lawmakers are split. Ohio State Sen. Bill Blessing, a Republican from Colerain Township and co-chair of the Joint Committee on Property Tax Reform, called the initiative “the most dangerous and irresponsible” proposal of his political career.
“It would destroy local governments and schools, guarantee massive income and sales tax hikes, inflate real estate prices and lead to huge land grabs,” Blessing warned. “Perhaps worst of all is that it would be a massive wealth transfer to the wealthiest landowners and investors.”
The committee recently released an 865-page report offering 21 recommendations to modernize the system. These include expanding the homestead exemption, reducing appraised market value percentages, and creating tax deferral options for those in need.
In the Ohio House, House Bill 186 remains under discussion, proposing relief measures for school district property taxes impacted by inflation. But with no resolution in sight, voter momentum is growing.
What’s Next?
Citizens for Property Tax Reform must now gather hundreds of thousands of signatures to make the ballot — a significant task. But if the initiative succeeds, it could ignite one of the most consequential policy debates in recent Ohio history. More information about their efforts can be found at: ReformPropertyTax.com
Whether the end of property taxes is on the horizon remains to be seen. For many, though, the message is clear: something has to change.
