Property Tax Relief: Promise Kept, Decision Made Elsewhere

I am disappointed that the Geauga County Commissioners could not find a way to provide targeted property-tax relief to seniors and other vulnerable homeowners. That said, I also understand the complicated environment this operates in. Under HB 96, the local piggyback options are not reimbursed by the State of Ohio. Any relief would be absorbed locally through reduced property-tax distributions to affected entities, including townships, schools, libraries, mental-health services, fire districts, and other voter-supported local services.

My position has been consistent: I support targeted relief, especially relief tied to the Homestead Exemption for seniors and eligible vulnerable homeowners. I do not support broad, unmodeled reductions that could undermine police, fire/EMS, road services, schools, libraries, or other essential local services. I believe Russell Township could have absorbed its share of a narrowly targeted Homestead piggyback, but widespread owner-occupied relief would have created a much larger impact and could accelerate the need for future levies.

This is the larger problem with how the State continues to approach property-tax reform.

Columbus keeps shifting pressure onto local governments while local communities are increasingly dependent on property taxes and voter-approved levies to provide basic services. HB 335 will add another layer by limiting growth in inside-millage revenue tied to reappraisal or update years, which may further reduce funding available to schools and local entities.

I want residents to know this clearly: I advocated for targeted senior property-tax relief, just as I promised last fall. But this was not my vote to cast. Under HB 96, the authority rested with the County Commissioners, and on June 23 the county declined to move forward with either piggyback option. I will continue to support responsible, targeted relief for seniors and vulnerable homeowners while also protecting the long-term stability of the essential services Russell residents rely on every day.

The views expressed here are mine only and are intended to keep residents informed about township issues. Decisions of the Russell Township Board of Trustees are made only during public meetings.