Ohio lawmakers discuss solutions to high property taxes

MAHONING CO., Ohio (WKBN) – Ohioans are feeling a pinch from higher prices and higher property taxes.

A reevaluation of property appraisals led to property taxes being raised statewide. Many people were given new tax bills with increases between 10 and 40 percent.

There have been many proposals for fixing the situation, but nothing has been done yet.
Thursday lawmakers from both sides of the aisle talked about the situation and possible solutions.

“We absolutely can lower our property taxes, reduce costs and still support essential services if we ensure that the state pays its fair share and returns more of our tax dollars to our local communities,” said State Representative Lauren McNally.

Ohio State Senator Al Cutrona co-sponsored House Bill 187 which passed in his chamber.

“And so now that I’m in the Senate, I can be in a position to figure out a real change to our property tax situation,” Cutrona said. “We have people on fixed incomes that are struggling right now. It is imperative that our State Legislature does something.”

“And the state, cannot wait. They cannot Mickey Mouse this. They cannot do this in increments. You have to seriously look at how much impact this is hitting,” Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti.

State law requires Ohio counties to reappraise property values every six years.

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