Property Tax Education Session - Three

This was a property tax education session held by the Geauga ADP on April 9, 2026, featuring local officials including a county commissioner, a school board member, and a township trustee. The meeting focused extensively on explaining the current property tax system in Geauga County, including the breakdown of tax revenue sources, the impact of recent Ohio House Bills on tax levies, and the significant role of voted levies which constitute about 70% of local property taxes. Panelists discussed the potential consequences of a proposed constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes, highlighting the severe funding shortfalls it would cause for local services such as schools, fire and EMS, roads, parks, and libraries. They also addressed questions about levy renewals, funding sources, and the challenges of balancing budgets amid rising costs. The session emphasized the importance of voter decisions on levies and the complexities of local government funding, with no new procurement or contract awards discussed.