Townships & Schools Can Thrive Without Property Taxes
As a mayor and a current member of multiple government boards, I’ve had a front-row seat to how local government is funded. I can say: Those claiming that eliminating property taxes will destroy Ohio’s schools and townships are confused.
Let’s start with the truth: Ohio’s property tax system is outdated and unnecessarily complex. Inside millage, outside millage, continuous levies, the 20-mill floor, overlapping levies—it’s a web of confusion for even the most informed taxpayer.
Even after paying off your mortgage, you’re still forced to pay the government to keep your home. That’s not ownership; it’s permanent rent. If you fall behind because of illness, fixed income or rising costs, the government can seize your property.
Yes, Services Must Be Funded, But There Are Better Ways
Property taxes fund schools, townships, libraries, a small portion of county services, etc. That funding is important. Eliminating property tax doesn’t eliminate the need for public services. It simply gives us the opportunity to fund them without threatening people’s homes.
And by ending property tax, we eliminate millions of dollars in overhead and bureaucracy: budget commissions, county auditors juggling levy calculations, recurring levy elections and real estate departments administering collections. That money can be saved or reallocated to services.
How Do We Fund Services Without Property Tax?
This is a common and important question. Every community is different and every solution should reflect local needs. But here are two models that are simpler and far more equitable:
- Local Income Tax (Voter Approved)
A small, flat local income tax—approved by voters—would allow everyone to contribute based on ability. Retirees on fixed incomes wouldn’t be penalized and renters, who use local services but currently pay no property tax, would now contribute their fair share. - Per-Person Service Fee
Determine the cost of core services and divide it equally among adult residents. Everyone pays the same for the same services—just like a utility bill. It’s transparent, fair and easy to administer.
Sales tax could also be considered, though it’s more regressive. The point is: There are flexible, community-based alternatives that avoid the downsides of taxing people based on the paper value of their home.
It’s Time to Simplify, Streamline and Protect Homeowners
Ending property tax does not mean cutting services. It means rethinking how we fund them—so the system is more just, more efficient and doesn’t penalize homeownership.
It also means ending the cycle of repeated levies, confusing ballot language and a tax system that creates winners and losers based solely on ZIP code or assessed value.
By removing property tax:
- No one loses their home because they couldn’t pay a tax bill.
- Seniors on fixed incomes are protected.
- Every adult contributes fairly.
- Bureaucratic overhead is eliminated or reduced.
- Local control is preserved, with communities choosing how to fund their needs.
Take Action This Weekend
If you believe that there is a better way, join us. Stop by Parkside Park in Chesterland this Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., to sign the petition or request a petition packet to help gather signatures.
Let’s rethink how we pay for services—and return control, transparency and fairness to the people of Ohio.
