New Ohio bill could make police, fire and school levies nearly impossible to pass

A proposed bill making its way through the Ohio Statehouse is sparking concern among Valley leaders, who said it could severely limit how local governments fund critical services.

House Bill 355, introduced by Ashtabula County State Representative Dave Thomas, would raise the threshold for passing local property tax levies from a simple majority to a 60% supermajority.

The change would apply to levies that fund police, fire, EMS and public schools, services that are often almost entirely funded by local property tax revenue. 

"Our entire operations rely on property taxes," said Cortland Police Chief David Morris, "That's how we survive."

The bill comes just weeks after lawmakers proposed making it harder to get levies on the ballot.

Now, local officials said this newest proposal could make levies nearly impossible to pass, as most levies pass with a majority, often with a slim margin, but not typically with a 60% supermajority vote. 

He adds that Cortland plans to put a levy on the ballot in November, one that would not expand services but simply preserve what they already have.

"This one is not asking for additional officers. This is going to allow us to maintain the status quo of what we have," Morris said, "It's critical that we pass this levy so that we don't see a cut in services to our residents."

Without the funding, Morris warns residents could see fewer officers on patrol and longer response times.

"There'll obviously be delays. If we have less cruisers on the road, there will definitely be delays," he said, "We do have a shortage of officers in general in this area, and if communities like ours that rely on property taxes, we're going to lose out."

He said recruitment would also take a hit.

"Why would someone come here, where the ability to keep your job becomes very difficult, when they can go somewhere else where money may not be an issue?"

On top of this, Morris argues the bill would unfairly override the will of local voters.

"It cripples us. It handicaps us when you tie our hands to fund our operations, especially when we feel that, our local voters know how we operate," he said, "Our voters are smart enough to know how they want to vote, and the state should not be making it more difficult."

Austintown Township Administrator Mark D'Apolito agrees, calling the bill an "assault" on local government property tax revenue.

"It will be very detrimental to the community," D'Apolito said, "Our tax dollars are directly related to the number of patrolmen on the road that we can carry on staff and our ability to respond to situations, so if you like the services you've been receiving, then support your levy."

Critics of the bill argue it undermines majority rule and would create significant public safety and service concerns, while supporters say tax increases should require broader consensus.

Morris said the consequences could mean cuts for police, EMS and fire at a time when there is already a staffing shortage for most departments. 

"Would we not be able to supply two officers on the road at any given time?" he asked, "That's dangerous."