Property Tax Education Session - Four

This was a public forum held by the Geauga ADP on May 6, 2026, focused on educating residents about property tax structures, recent legislative changes, and local government funding. County Auditor Chuck Walder and other officials explained the components of property tax bills, including voted and unvoted levies, and discussed recent Ohio House Bills 96 and 129 that limit tax increases and eliminate replacement levies. The meeting highlighted the distribution of property tax revenues among schools, townships, and county services, with detailed budget insights for Clariden Township, including fire and EMS funding and operational costs. Officials emphasized the importance of local control over tax revenues and the challenges posed by potential abolition of property taxes, noting that such a move would shift funding control to the state and could reduce local services. The forum also covered comparisons of Ohio's tax system with other states and discussed opportunities for tax reform and community engagement with legislators. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this session.