Boardman Township trustees express concern regarding property taxes
BOARDMAN The Boardman Township Board of Trustees is reaching out to "concerned residents, state leaders and policy makers" about growing concerns on the reliance of property taxes.
The Ohio Attorney General's Office accepted the petition title and summary of a proposed constitutional amendment to end property taxes in Ohio in May of 2025.
In the language of the proposed constitutional amendment summary, the proposed amendment "would abolish taxes on real property and prohibit any future taxes on real property."
Real property is defined in this proposed amendment as land itself, all growing crops on the land and all buildings, structures and improvements permanently attached to the land itself.
If the Ballot Board certifies the proposal, petitioners must collect signatures from registered voters equal to at least 10 percent of the vote cast in the most recent gubernatorial election.
The petition, titled "Abolishment of Taxes on Real Property", was submitted by the Citizens for Property Tax Reform group and the Committee to Eliminate Property Taxes in Ohio.
A letter, signed by Boardman Township Trustees Larry Moliterno, Thomas Costello and Steve Yacavone, along with Boardman Township Fiscal Officer Brad Calhoun, outlines the Board of Trustees' concerns.
Calhoun told 21 News that a main concern is not having a plan in place if property taxes were to be abolished in Ohio.
In the letter, a call is put out to re-examine the model of property taxes serving as the primary funding mechanism for townships across Ohio.
Calhoun told 21 News that Boardman Township receives roughly 70 to 80 percent of its revenue from property taxes.
Other funding sources come from gas fees and license plate fees, which Calhoun says goes to the Boardman Township Road Department for paving purposes and road infrastructure.
Calhoun expressed to 21 News that if the proposal to abolish property taxes were to pass, the township would have no choice other than to reduce funding to other township services, such as fire, EMS or police.
This reduced funding, Calhoun says, could lead to cuts in those areas.
The call in the letter includes seeking a more balanced and sustainable solution to township revenue.
"The burden placed on homeowners - particularly seniors and those on fixed incomes - has become increasingly difficult to justify," as stated in the letter.
In the letter, the trustees site the rising cost of living, stating that property taxes represent a disproportionate financial strain on Boardman residents.
Additionally, it is mentioned in the letter that townships do not have the same revenue options available as other levels of government.
"We do not have the authority to levy income taxes or benefit from a share of state sales tax revenues. As a result, we are forced to return to the ballot time and time again, asking property owners to bear an ever-growing financial burden," as stated in the letter.
In the letter, those in the General Assembly are urged to consider legislative initiatives that would provide townships with access to alternative forms of revenue.
"Whether through a broader distribution of state sales tax, limited income tax authority or other creative funding mechanisms, we believe a more diversified funding structure would better serve both local governments and the taxpayers," as stated in the letter.
Calhoun told 21 News that sets of letters would be headed to local and state legislators, for example Senator Al Cutrona and Representative Tex Fischer.
Additionally, a set of letters would be headed to the Property Tax Reform Working Group, appointed by Governor Mike DeWine earlier in 2025.
"As the elected officials of the township, we are concerned about the future of the revenue that comes into the township. We believe that it needs to be equitable for those paying property taxes. From young homeowners, people looking to buy homes and those who have been working their entire life to pay for or purchase a home. The state needs to step up and find alternatives to provide funding. It's time they think outside the box," said Calhoun.
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