Ohio Senate Overrides DeWine Vetoes, Eliminates Three Property Tax Levies
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Senate on Wednesday overrode Governor Mike DeWine’s vetoes of three property tax-related measures, effectively eliminating levies that Republican lawmakers argued were confusing to voters and created unneeded administrative burdens.The overrides mark a notable win for the GOP-led legislature in its ongoing effort to reform Ohio’s property tax system.
The bills overturned were part of a larger package vetoed by DeWine in July. One measure eliminates county budget commissions’ authority to reduce levies when revenues exceed expectations. DeWine’s work group had suggested allowing this reduction but with “guardrails” – a five-year wait after a levy’s passage (or two years after renewal) before reduction, and clear definitions of “unnecessary” or “excessive” spending.
Another veto overridden caps the amount schools can carry over from one year to the next at 40% of their annual operating budget.The work group recommended raising that cap to 100%, allowing districts to argue for more if needed.
The third eliminated levy concerned emergency situations. According to State Representative Jeff Antonio, the goal was “to be able to address an emergency like that going forward.” DeWine’s work group had suggested allowing emergency levies for districts under fiscal watch or emergency, or when an “act of God” occurs.
“I hope the House continues to override on all of those vetoes as we have to do what we can to help out,” said Senator Andrew Brenner, a Delaware County Republican.
House Minority Leader Dani Issacsohn, a Cincinnati Democrat, criticized the move, arguing the state should use its own funds to alleviate homeowner burdens. He dismissed the work group’s report as “gimmicks” and stated, “The real problem is that we rely on property taxes to pay for to much of our public services.”
The overrides now return to the House for final consideration. while the initial attempts to override the vetoes in July fell short,supporters believe they are gaining momentum.
