Milford Schools urges community to oppose House Bill 335, warns of multi‑million-dollar local losses

Milford Exempted Village Schools urged community members on June 19 to contact legislators to oppose House Bill 335, a proposed change to Ohio’s property tax structure that district officials said could produce major local funding losses.

A district video played for the board said the bill, introduced June 4, 2025, "would eliminate inside millage, ban new emergency and substitute levies, and give county budget commissions the authority to override voter approved levies." The video estimated that if enacted the legislation could cost Milford Schools about $6,000,000 annually, the city of Milford about $700,000 annually and Clermont County about $22,000,000 annually.

The superintendent (staff member) told the board he contacted state elected officials and heard back from Representative Schmidt and Representative Byrd, whom he believes oppose the bill. He also warned board members the bill’s provisions could be inserted into the state’s biennial budget, shortening the opportunity for longer-term discussion and amendment by legislators.

Board members and staff encouraged residents to visit milfordschools.org/page/advocate and to contact their legislators before the budget process concludes. The superintendent emphasized that while some property-tax reform has merit, the district believes the changes in HB 335 would have “long-term consequences” and that more study is needed rather than rapid insertion into the biennial budget.

The board did not take formal legislative action at the meeting beyond encouraging community advocacy and distributing the district video summary.