THE ISSUE

Say NO to the Optional Expansion of the Homestead Exemption and Owner-Occupancy Credit Authorized by Ohio House Bill 96

To the Honorable Geauga County Commissioners:

We, the undersigned residents, taxpayers, and homeowners of Geauga County, respectfully urge the Geauga County Commissioners to reject any proposal to enact the optional expansion of the homestead exemption and owner-occupancy credit authorized by Ohio House Bill 96.

While property-tax relief is an important goal, this provision shifts the cost of that relief onto local public entities because the State of Ohio does not reimburse the lost revenue. As a result, schools, libraries, parks, safety services, municipalities and senior services could face reduced funding or increased financial pressure.

Geauga County school districts rely heavily on local property-tax revenue to fund educational programs. When locally approved tax revenue is reduced without replacement funding, school districts and other public institutions are left to absorb the impact.

Residents approved tax levies to support public education and other community services with the expectation that those funds would be available for their intended purposes. Reducing the effective value of those voter-approved levies through county action undermines that commitment and creates uncertainty for schools and other public institutions that depend on stable funding.  It accelerates the need to return to voters for an additional property tax levy or income tax request.

We believe Geauga County should prioritize:

• Protecting strong public schools and other essential public services.

• Maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency in county budgeting.

• Preserving the integrity of voter-approved levies.

• Advocating for state-funded tax relief rather than shifting costs to local communities.

If additional tax relief is warranted, it should be funded by the State of Ohio rather than at the expense of local schools, libraries, parks, and other public services.

Therefore, we respectfully urge the Geauga County Commissioners to:

• Vote NO on any proposal to enact the optional expansion of the homestead exemption and owner-occupancy credit.

• Review county spending priorities before reducing revenue available to public institutions.

• Increase transparency and public engagement regarding future tax and budget decisions.

• Protect the long-term financial stability of Geauga County schools and other community services.

We respectfully ask the Geauga County Commissioners to reject any implementation of this provision and support a funding approach that protects both taxpayers and the public institutions that serve our communities.