Cincinnati — Cincinnati Public Schools officials told the board Oct. 11 that a proposed Ohio law change could retroactively shrink property‑tax growth that currently benefits some districts and sharply reduce CPS revenue if enacted.

Treasurer Dustin Augustine and other administration officials described substitute House Bill 186 as a looming fiscal risk: the draft bill would limit the amount local property tax receipts could grow after reappraisals, capping growth at an inflation measure and (administrators said) applying that limit retroactively if passed.

What administrators described: Augustine told board members the retroactive application of substitute House Bill 186 could reduce CPS revenue by roughly $14 million in the current fiscal year and by about $28 million in the following fiscal years, based on legislative commission estimates and the district’s prior reappraisal gains. Cincinnati is one of the largest potential losers by dollar value because of its prior property‑value increases relative to other Ohio districts.

Why it matters: The district relies on local property tax revenue (including a 20‑mill floor protection) to support operations and capital plans. Officials said the proposed retroactive limit would reduce the effective growth that districts like Cincinnati now see after periodic reappraisals by county auditors. Augustine and others said they are coordinating with state legislators and partners and considering an education campaign to alert the public.

Related legislation: Administrators also described House Bill 129 as a positive development that would allow conversion of older emergency levies into fixed‑sum levies, which the district supports because it better matches how CPS has used emergency levies over time.

Next steps: CPS said it will work with legislators and partners to seek changes, including removing any retroactivity, and consider legal remedies if needed. The treasurer’s office said it will also include potential revenue scenarios tied to the legislative proposals in upcoming budget materials.

Ending: Board members urged rapid public education about the proposals. Administration said it will prepare materials and coordinate outreach if the bills advance in Columbus.