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Resident urges commissioners to double homestead exemption, citing tax pressure after 2023 re-evaluations
Summary
Don Dragish, a resident and candidate for county commissioner, asked the board to reconsider doubling the homestead exemption and the owner-occupancy credit as temporary relief following 2023 re-evaluations and rising property taxes.
Don Dragish, who identified himself as a Mahoning County resident and a candidate for county commissioner, urged the Board of Commissioners to reconsider doubling the homestead exemption and the owner-occupancy credit as a short-term measure to ease rising property-tax burdens.
"Doubling the homestead exemption and owner's occupancy credit doesn't have to be a permanent commitment," Dragish said, arguing it would return a portion of the increases caused by the 2023 re-evaluations. He told commissioners that families on fixed incomes and young homeowners are feeling financial pressure and called the change a "meaningful, immediate step."
Dragish acknowledged the proposal would not solve structural tax issues but said it could provide relief while broader reforms proceed, noting his expectation that a ballot measure to abolish property taxes would likely pass if it reaches voters. "You don't have to solve everything today, but you can take a step today," he said.
The board heard Dragish's public comment during the meeting's public-comment period. The transcript does not record any formal response, motion or vote on the request during the session. Commissioners did not commit to a timeline for action during the remarks.
