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Owen County officials warn proposed state property-tax overhaul could cut local revenue
Summary
County officials told the council the governor's Senate Bill 1, as drafted, could reduce Owen County's revenue by roughly $600,000 in the first year and may force service cuts unless the legislature adds replacement revenue mechanisms.
Owen County officials warned during a council meeting that a proposed state property-tax reform measure, Senate Bill 1, could significantly reduce local revenue and force difficult choices for the 2026 budget year.
A county official briefing the council said the draft bill follows the governor's campaign proposals and contains no clear mechanism for local units of government to replace lost revenue. The official estimated Owen County would lose about $600,000 in year one if the bill passes without amendments. The presentation urged department heads and elected officials to track the bill and contact state legislators about county concerns.
Why it matters: the presenters said lost revenue at that magnitude would affect “everything in our system” and could require service cuts if replacement funding is not found. They advised against committing to significant spending increases until the legislature’s final action is clear.
County leaders also noted other related income-tax proposals are moving through the legislature and could interact with property-tax changes. The meeting included a suggestion that commissioners and department heads attend local legislative briefings and the upcoming legislative breakfast to remain informed.
No formal county action was taken at the meeting on the bill; participants were asked to monitor developments and engage with state senators and representatives.
