Ohio lawmakers want review of all local taxing entities, services

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(The Center Square) – Ohio taxpayers could get a complete review of taxes, public services and departments in every county based on new legislation proposed in the Ohio House.

House Bill 520 would create blue ribbon committees in all 88 counties to review local taxing units, departments and public services.

Rep. David Thomas, R-Jefferson, a leader this year in property tax reform, believes a review is the first step toward ending service duplication, improving efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars.

“As we continue to work on property tax reform, this legislation will provide great next steps to aid in reducing costs and promote the need for efficiency in our local governments to help our taxpayers throughout Ohio,” Thomas said in a news release.

Greg Lawson, a research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, told The Center Square that the idea is a step in the right direction and one that has been pushed for by the Columbus-based policy group.

"While there are many reasons for the property tax explosion that is hurting many Ohio homeowners, the core problem is one of local government structure, Lawson said. “Simply put, Ohio has too many layers of local government and a labyrinth like system of different taxing authorities that add costs and inefficiencies to the delivery of services.”

HB520, which has had two hearings in the House Local Government Committee this month, would require each county committee to examine overlapping services in taxing districts, county programs and public service entities, such as water, sewer, health, parks and cemeteries.

The committee is expected to also offer recommendations on chances to consolidate or share services.

“This bill is about strengthening Ohio’s future by ensuring that government works smarter for the people it serves,” said Rep. Ty Mathews, R-Findlay. “The Blue Ribbon Committee will help keep our state competitive, our communities strong, and our resources focused where they make the greatest difference. When government operates efficiently, all Ohioans benefit.”

The bill does not contain language about school districts, an area Lawson testified about to the recent Ohio Property Tax Reform Working Group.

Lawson told the group that Ohio has more than 600 school districts, which creates the largest push for property taxes. In comparison, Florida has less than 100 school districts with a larger population

“Without transformational change to Ohio’s antiquated local government structure, homeowners will continue to suffer rising, unsustainable property taxes even if the state adopts short- and medium-term reforms,” Lawson told the group.