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Efforts to place a constitutional amendment eliminating the Ohio property tax system on the November ballot have intensified, prompting fierce debate across the state. Supporters argue the measure offers necessary relief from rising bills, while opponents warn of severe financial consequences for schools, local services and taxpayers. Governor Mike DeWine and lawmakers advocate alternative reforms, raising questions about funding and fiscal stability ahead of the fall election.
Ohio property tax has become one of the most contentious public policy debates in the state this year.
Ohio property tax elimination efforts are driving a heated political battle as grassroots activists push a constitutional amendment that could transform local finance.
Petition drive gains momentum
A volunteer-led movement, Citizens for Property Tax Reform, has collected more than 100,000 signatures toward placing a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would abolish all property taxes across Ohio. The petition language was certified by the Ohio Attorney General’s office earlier in the process, meaning supporters can now begin signature collection required to qualify the measure for voters.
Grassroots supporters, many frustrated by rapid increases in assessed values and tax bills, argue the current system disproportionately burdens homeowners.
“Something is wrong and the legislature did not do their job,” said organizer Beth Blackmarr, a Lakewood resident, in an October interview with Ohio Capital Journal.
Supporters also argue the status quo leaves vulnerable Ohioans struggling with cost-of-living increases, and that eliminating property tax would free families from escalating bills tied to housing costs. Advocates point out ongoing legislative reforms don’t go far enough to address their concerns.
Political leaders and analysts raise alarms
But opposition to the Ohio property tax elimination movement has been swift and broad among state leaders and local officials. Governor Mike DeWine has publicly warned that abolishing property taxes without a clear replacement funding strategy could devastate Ohio’s public finances.
DeWine told reporters that replacing lost revenue — roughly $20 billion annually — through sales tax alone could push Ohio’s sales tax rate as high as 20 percent, a figure that would dwarf current state and local rates and significantly impact consumers.
State legislators, including Rep. Tristan Rader, have highlighted findings from the nonpartisan Ohio Legislative Service Commission showing that repeal of the property tax could create massive budget shortfalls. The analysis notes that school systems receive the majority of their operating funding from property taxes and local governments rely heavily on them for essential services.
Democratic lawmakers such as Rep. Terrence Upchurch and House Minority Leader Allison Russo also criticized the repeal effort in statements, underscoring that the proposal lacks a viable plan to replace the revenue that funds police, fire departments, public education and other critical services.
Local officials have echoed similar warnings. For example, Butler County Auditor Nancy Nix said township services, road maintenance, and safety operations could be “hard pressed” to continue without property tax funds, even if alternative taxation mechanisms were introduced.
Lawmakers pursue alternative reforms
While the ballot initiative builds steam, the state legislature has pursued bipartisan property tax relief measures to ease homeowner burdens without scrapping the tax system entirely. In December 2025, Governor DeWine signed a package of bills slated to deliver over $3 billion in tax relief by capping automatic growth in property tax charges and providing additional credits for owner-occupied homes.
These reforms aim to temper runaway tax increases and add stability to the system, while ensuring schools and local governments retain reliable funding. Lawmakers stressed that these changes would offer immediate relief to homeowners, even though they fall short of eliminating the tax.
Some legislators hope these reforms undercut momentum for the constitutional amendment by giving residents tangible tax relief without the fiscal risk associated with full repeal.
What’s next in the ballot process
To qualify for the November ballot, backers must submit valid signatures from registered voters equal to at least 10 percent of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election — roughly 415,000 signatures — and meet distribution requirements across Ohio’s 88 counties.
Should the proposal clear that hurdle, Ohio voters will face a historic choice about the future of property taxation in the state. Whether they accept a fundamental restructuring of local finance or reject it in favor of targeted reforms, the debate is reshaping conversations around tax policy, community funding and fiscal responsibility.
FAQs
What exactly would the Ohio property tax elimination amendment do?
It would amend the Ohio Constitution to prohibit real property taxes, effectively eliminating all existing property tax levies unless another revenue raising mechanism is implemented.
How much revenue do property taxes generate in Ohio?
Property taxes contribute billions annually, funding schools and local services. Estimates suggest a complete repeal could cut over $20 billion from state and local budgets.
Who supports the amendment?
Primarily grassroots groups and homeowners frustrated with rising bills. They argue existing reforms don’t sufficiently address tax burdens.
Who opposes this plan?
State leadership including the governor, local officials, and many lawmakers oppose the repeal, citing risks to education, emergency services, and municipal operations without a clear funding replacement.
What alternatives are lawmakers considering?
Legislative reforms include caps on tax growth, expanded homeowner credits, and structural changes to levy rules that aim to reduce tax spikes while preserving essential funding.
