What you'll pay if Hamilton County levies pass
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Two property tax levies are headed to Hamilton County ballots this November, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to homeowners' annual tax bills if both pass.
Why it matters: Voters may be feeling levy fatigue. But local officials say the alternative is cutting important services for Cincinnati Public Schools students and vulnerable children across the county.
The quick math: Ohio measures property taxes in mills.
- One mill equals $1 in tax for every $1,000 of a property's taxable value. That value is generally 35% of a home's market value.
Zoom in: Here is what's on the ballot and what taxpayers can expect.
🏫 Cincinnati Public Schools
The Cincinnati school board scrapped its proposed 0.75% earned-income tax Monday after backlash from residents, employees and leaders in both political parties.
- Board members opted instead to place a five-year, 7-mill property tax levy on the ballot.
What you'd pay: If approved, it would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $245 a year, per the district.
- It would generate about $66.3 million annually beginning in 2027, compared with about $74 million a year under the proposed income tax.
State of play: CPS says it needs the money after going a decade without seeking new operating funding amid rising costs for transportation, insurance, utility and student services.
- The board eliminated more than 100 positions this summer and made other cuts to erase a $58 million budget deficit.
Threat level: Treasurer Mike Gustin has warned that without new revenue, CPS could face school consolidations, pay-to-play athletics and transportation cuts.
👶 Hamilton County Children's Services
County commissioners approved a four-year, 5.61-mill levy for the November ballot.
- The agency investigates child abuse and neglect and helps place children with foster or adoptive families.
What you'd pay: If approved, it would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $121, the county reported — up from roughly $82 under the expiring levy.
- It would raise about $117 million annually for Children's Services, part of Hamilton County Job and Family Services.
Of note: Officials call it a renewal, though it would increase the tax rate and shorten the levy from five years to four.
Threat level: Commissioner Denise Driehaus says the county has already cut $36 million from the budget by eliminating or reducing nonmandated programs, but drastic rises in foster care costs and more children with complex needs made an increase necessary.
- The approved levy provides "the needed balance between our moral imperative to protect our kids and our obligation to our residents to keep property taxes as low as possible," she posted online.
What's next: Voter registration for the Nov. 3 election continues for two more months.