Bill to be introduced in Ohio that would raise threshold for passing property tax levies

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Currently, Ohio law requires a simple majority for voters to pass property tax levies. But State Rep. Dave Thomas (R-Ashtabula), a former county auditor, wants to raise the bar.

Under his proposed legislation, a levy would need approval from at least 60% of voters before it could take effect as opposed to a simple majority today. Thomas argues this higher threshold would ensure that tax increases reflect the will of the broader community, not just a slim majority.

“We’re trying to make the whole community say yes to tax increases, versus just a small portion,” Thomas said, adding the ultimate goal is to make it more difficult for property tax levies to pass.

The proposal comes as homeowners across the state grapple with rising property values, which are reassessed every