Ohio Homeowners Demand Relief from Rising Property Taxes
Columbus, Ohio – For over 25 years, Sherri Smith has cherished her home in East Columbus. But in the last decade, she has seen her property taxes nearly double—now paying $600 every six months. The increasing financial strain has forced tough choices at the grocery store and beyond.
“I just want to buy food without putting things back because I can’t afford them,” she shared.
Her frustration mirrors that of many Ohio homeowners. A grassroots movement is now gaining traction to eliminate property taxes in Ohio entirely. Backed by nearly 1,000 volunteers, the group is working to place a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would make Ohio property taxes $0 for homeowners.
“We have gathered petitions from 76 of Ohio’s 88 counties,” said Brian Massie, part of the five-member organizing committee.
The initiative argues that property taxes unfairly burden seniors and low-income families, threatening the dream of homeownership. “People are waking up to the fact that we are basically renters to the government,” Massie said, criticizing Ohio’s current property tax model based on unrealized home value gains.
Though the group missed the July 2 deadline to qualify for the 2024 ballot, they remain committed to the 2026 goal. “We are not backing down. We believe in freedom through homeownership,” Massie emphasized.
While the group supports alternative taxes—like sales tax, income tax, or service-based fees—they face opposition. Governor Mike DeWine voiced concern that eliminating property taxes could cripple school funding and essential public services like fire and police departments.
Smith herself, while sympathetic, worries about the consequences. “I want relief, but not if it means hurting our schools and services. That’s not acceptable to me,” she said.
Just last week, Governor DeWine vetoed property tax relief provisions in the state budget, citing risks to education funding. However, the Ohio House of Representatives is scheduled to meet July 21 to consider overriding those vetoes.
As this battle continues, Ohio homeowners wait—hoping for a solution that balances relief with responsibility.
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