LOGAN, Ohio (WSYX) — Residents and business owners in Logan are feeling the financial strain as a group pushes a proposed amendment to eliminate property taxes. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that a petition to amend the state constitution has been deemed fair and truthful, advancing the process.
Local resident and business owner Shad Mace expressed concerns about rising property taxes.
“It’s a common theme for everyone,” he said. “I think we understand the need to fund the community, whether it’s the school district or downtown revitalization projects, but at some point it feels pretty excessive.”
Mace, who owns the Shamrock Irish Pub, noted that his property taxes are the highest they’ve ever been.
“2,300 square feet, something like that, and it’s probably double what I pay for the actual business tax,” he said, adding that he hasn’t made changes to his home since purchasing it in 2015.
Hocking County’s property taxes are expected to increase by 35 percent following a reappraisal, despite tourism being a major revenue source for the county.
“We do have a lot of outside investors coming in purchasing property, so that does create an additional burden,” Hocking County Auditor Christopher Robers said.
These taxes fund essential services in the town, with EMS receiving about 80 percent of its funding from property taxes and senior services about 90 percent. However, the rising costs are making it difficult for locals to compete and remain in the area.
“At some point, there has to be a cap on the property tax,” Mace said.
We asked Mace and Robers what kind of revisions to current statutes they would like to see. Both agreed to make multiple revisions to state code to meet people where they are.
“Probably that small piece meal would make a little more sense,” Mace said. “But I love the idea that it’s being introduced, and that people are talking about it.”
The next step in the process is to gain approval from the ballot board. Organizers will then need to collect signatures from voters in 44 counties within the next six weeks.
If enough signatures are verified, the measure will appear on the November ballot. Both Republican candidates for governor support eliminating the state’s income tax.
