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Board warns constituents to watch proposed state property-tax overhaul that could cut district revenue
Summary
Board members and superintendent urged residents to contact legislators after discussion of state House Bill 335 and other tax proposals that board leaders said would reduce local funding and shift costs.
Board members used their June 11 meeting to brief the public on proposed state-level tax changes and urged residents to make their views known to state lawmakers.
Board leaders described House Bill 335 — a proposal discussed at the statehouse — as a plan that would eliminate "inside millage," a local property-tax revenue stream that the district uses. Board members said the change would remove about 4.9 mills for the district, an amount the superintendent estimated at roughly $5.5 million in annual revenue for Cuyahoga Falls. Board members warned that local levies and emergency millage were also affected in the proposal and that the bill, as described in the meeting, could force districts to seek replacement revenue via sales or income taxes.
The board said local elected officials and county fiscal bodies could also gain greater discretion over levies under the proposed reforms; members said that would erode local control over school funding. One speaker noted county-level fiscal decisions could reduce funds even for levies voters had approved. The board cited testimony from county officials that the change would risk cuts to county services (including public-safety and corrections operations) if the revenue shift were enacted without replacement funding.
The board encouraged residents to contact Representative Romer — identified as a primary cosponsor whose office could be reached at (614) 644-5085 and rep301@ohiohouse.gov per the meeting — and to oppose House Bill 335 as written. A board member said alternative bills exist (for example, a Senate bill mentioned during the meeting as Senate Bill 22) that aim to provide tax relief without reducing school funding.
Board members framed the message as an appeal to constituents to engage with the legislative process and said the district would continue to monitor developments.
