House Ways and Means panel hears sweeping property tax reform that would remove inside millage; local officials warn of service cuts

The Ohio House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday heard extensive testimony on competing bills that would reshape how local governments collect property taxes, with sponsor Representative Thomas saying the plan would deliver an immediate, statewide cut and local officials warning the measures could strip revenue for police, fire and other local services.

Representative Thomas, sponsor of House Bill 335, told the committee, “It is clear. Ohio’s property taxpayers are at the tipping point,” and called HB 335 “the boldest, most transformational property tax reform package in half a century,” promising a January 2026 reduction by eliminating unvoted inside millage and mechanisms to limit future tax spikes.

Supporters described the package as a response to large, recent increases in property valuations. Thomas said the bill’s aims include separating property values from tax increases, rebalancing revenue sources at the local…