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OH property owners to pay more if levies approved

Property owners throughout the state will be paying more in multiple ways if new levies are approved by voters, as Ohio lawmakers approve to eliminate the state property tax rollback provision.
Anthony Wayne and Springfield Local Schools are putting operating levies on November's ballot. Waterville and Spencer townships are asking for levies to support police and fire services.

(Toledo News Now) - Property owners throughout the state will be paying more in multiple ways if new levies are approved by voters, as Ohio lawmakers approve to eliminate the state property tax rollback provision.

Springfield Local Schools is asking voters in November to approve a 2.9 mill levy. District Treasurer Ryan Lockwood says the request for additional funding comes with an understanding the state will not pick up a part of the tab.

"I brought that back to the board. It was a pro and con for deciding whether or not to go on the ballot in November," said Lockwood.

If approved, the state rollback would not be applied to absorb up to 12.5 percent of that levy amount for property owners.

That rollback had been in place since the introduction of the Ohio income tax in 1971. According to State Rep. Barbara Sears, it was time to phase it out.

"I understand there's concern about how that will play into levies, but the reality of it is it becomes a cleaner way of explaining how a levy works, and a cleaner way of understanding the cost of it," said Sears.

The bottom line for Springfield Local is academic progress.

"With the district growing, we need additional funds to operate. We're at the point, we need to maintain excellence. We've been excellent or excellent with distinction for the last four years," said Lockwood.

Also seeking additional money in November:

-Anthony Wayne Schools 4.9 mill additional operating levy

-Waterville Township 3.5 mill additional levy for police

-Spencer Township 2 mill additional levy for fire services

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