Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine recently signed five bills aimed at reducing property taxes, but local leaders say challenges with school funding remain.
In every county across Ohio, more than half of property taxes go toward supporting schools. Gov. DeWine stated the new legislation will help stabilize school levies, provide inflation adjustments, and smooth out sharp increases in property tax bills.
Gallia County Auditor Robbie Jacks noted residents will see a modest rebate later this year, but emphasized that the underlying issue persists. “It did help. It was a good start in the right direction, but it is not enough,” Jacks said. He explained that recent cuts to local government funding have increased pressure on taxpayers to cover essential services, and levies remain necessary to support schools.
Jacks stressed the need for lawmakers to develop alternative funding solutions for schools to ease the burden on property owners. “Until we do that, it is going to be messy,” he said.