The Impact of Levies on Property Taxation in Franklin County-The Impact of Levies on Property Taxation in Franklin County

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation explained how property tax levies work in Franklin County and Ohio, with a focus on why they are so complicated and how they affect tax bills. Speakers distinguished inside millage, which does not require voter approval and is constitutionally limited, from outside millage, which voters approve. They also reviewed major levy types, including operating, emergency, substitute, permanent improvement, bond, and incremental levies, and explained renewal versus replacement levies.  <br /><br />The auditor’s office role was outlined in both pre-election and post-election stages, including certifying estimates, helping political subdivisions get levies on the ballot, and validating rates after elections. The Franklin County Auditor’s online levy estimator was highlighted as a tool for taxpayers to see ballot language, tax breakdowns, and estimated impacts.  <br /><br />The discussion also covered the 20 mil floor, noting it has a bigger impact in some rural counties than in Franklin County, where only a small share of districts are affected. Speakers emphasized that rising property values and county growth are increasing tax burdens, and they reviewed proposed reform ideas such as circuit breakers, residential stability zones, tax deferrals, and homestead modernization. Finally, they noted that eliminating property taxes entirely would create major funding gaps, especially for schools and public services.

Keywords

property tax levies

Franklin County

Ohio property taxes

inside millage

outside millage

levy types

auditor's office

20 mil floor

property tax reform