By Liz Gordon-Hancock
Bluffton Council member

As an elected representative of Bluffton, I'd like to pass on this press release from the Ohioans to Protect Public Services coalition, which gives an overview of the uses and purpose of property taxes in local government. 

I strongly recommend that Ohioans educate themselves on how property taxes fund their local government services and the consequences of losing that revenue.

Statewide coalition begins public education on property tax abolishment
Eliminating all local property taxes with no plan for replacement will cause massive cuts to services, increases in income and sales taxes 

APRIL 16, 2026 MEDIA RELEASE__A broad-based statewide coalition, Ohioans to Protect Public Services, has united to explain the serious consequences of eliminating all property taxes on homes and businesses, with no plan to replace the revenue — which multiple experts say would trigger big increases in income and sales taxes, massive cuts in essential local public services, or a combination of both. 

Property taxes make up nearly two-thirds of all local tax revenue — more than $21.4 billion annually. The coalition said it’s reckless, unworkable, and dangerous to propose abolishing the foundational source of revenue for police, fire, emergency medical care, public schools, and care for seniors, vulnerable children and Ohioans with developmental disabilities – with absolutely no plan to replace the lost revenue. 

More than 10 million Ohioans rely on police, fire, and EMS services that are funded by voter-approved property tax levies. 

“Our organization supports meaningful tax reform, but the total elimination of property taxes without a secured, guaranteed replacement creates a public safety crisis,” said Independence Police Chief Robert Butler, president of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. “These funds are the backbone of many local law enforcement agencies. Eliminating them without a transition plan leads to a predictable result: slower response times, fewer oicers on patrol, and an erosion of the security every Ohioan relies on.” 

“Property tax is the largest source of funding for Ohio’s public schools, which depend on stable, locally approved funding to serve their students,” said Jeff Wensing, president of the Ohio Education Association. “Eliminating this source of funding without a plan to replace it will lead to larger class sizes, fewer opportunities, and fewer supports for the children who need them most – not to mention essential funding for building maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.” 

“For seniors, at-risk children, people with developmental disabilities, and those in need of mental health and addiction services, these services aren’t optional — they are lifelines,” said Cheryl Subler, executive director, County Commissioners Association of Ohio. “From home-delivered meals and in-home care to child protection and crisis support, these programs help people stay safe, healthy, and independent.” 

Property taxes are a serious concern for Ohioans, and the coalition understands the call for property tax reform — but abolishing all property taxes abruptly, with no plan for what comes next, is not a viable solution.

Ohioans to Protect Public Services is a broad-based statewide coalition of more than 65 organizations, including representatives of police, fire and emergency medical personnel; educators; caregivers for seniors, children and people with disabilities; health care providers; libraries; parks; business and labor; local elected officials; Democrats and Republicans. 

Visit www.ProtectPublicServices.org to see a list of coalition members and to learn more about the real impact of abolishing property taxes.