YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – As a growing citizen-led movement pushes to abolish property taxes in Ohio, state Reps. Nick Santucci, R-64th, and Sarah Fowler Arthur, R-99th, discuss why eliminating this funding source could have deep and lasting consequences for communities across the state.
The lawmakers explain that property taxes currently generate about $25 billion annually, supporting essential local services such as police, fire, schools and libraries. Without that revenue, they warn, Ohio would face an unprecedented funding gap. “If that money evaporates, we would be challenged to find another means of supporting all of the local entities,” Santucci said.
Fowler Arthur adds that while frustration over rising tax bills – like the recent 30% spike in Ashtabula County – has fueled interest in the ballot initiative, many Ohioans don’t realize the scale of what property taxes fund. “It can sound appealing … until you think about where the money is going to come from,” she said.
They also warn against assumptions that the state could simply replace the lost revenue. Doing so would require roughly one-third of Ohio’s current operating budget, creating major challenges as the state pursues a flat income tax and aims to stay competitive with neighboring states.
In the meantime, the legislature has introduced several property tax reform bills aimed at giving local communities more control and improving ballot language so voters better understand tax issues.
As the debate intensifies, Santucci and Fowler Arthur stress that fully abolishing property taxes could reshape the state’s financial landscape – and potentially undermine the very services Ohio communities rely on every day.