Hamilton County Auditor criticizes House Bill 335 for its constitutional issues

During the Hamilton County Commissioners Staff Meeting on June 17, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding House Bill 335, which proposes changes to the county budget commission and its operations. The meeting highlighted potential constitutional issues and the implications of the bill on local governance.

A key point of discussion was the assertion that House Bill 335 could be unconstitutional, referencing a Supreme Court case from 1938 related to bond rates. This raises questions about the legal viability of the proposed changes, which could affect the functioning of the budget commission.

The bill mandates that county budget commissions hold hearings if a jurisdiction carries over more than 50% of its funds, particularly those collecting property taxes. This requirement, coupled with House Bill 96—which seeks to add two elected seats to the budget commission—has been criticized by the County Auditors Association. They argue that adding elected members to an already effective body could create complications, especially in jurisdictions that span multiple counties.

Hamilton County's budget commission has operated efficiently for over 50 years, and many officials believe that no changes are necessary. The meeting also addressed concerns about unrealistic deadlines imposed by House Bill 335. The bill sets an October deadline for certified valuations from the Ohio Department of Taxation, which is deemed impractical given the time needed for valuation and review processes.

Additionally, the property tax billing process was discussed, with concerns that it may not effectively communicate rate changes to property owners. Tax bills paid through mortgage escrow are not sent directly to homeowners, complicating notifications about adjustments.

In summary, the meeting underscored a strong opposition to House Bill 335, with officials expressing the need for a unified stance against the proposed changes. A letter opposing the bill was prepared to be sent to state legislators, reflecting the collective concerns of the county's leadership and the County Auditors Association. The discussions highlighted the potential negative impacts on local governance and the importance of maintaining effective budgetary processes in Hamilton County.