West Lucas News

State Representative Derek Merrin's legislation aimed at simplifying and clarifying local property tax ballot issues has been approved by the Ohio House of Representatives. The measure, known as House Bill 76, seeks to make ballot language describing local levy proposals clearer and more understandable.

"When Ohioans vote, they shouldn’t need a calculator to figure out what they’re voting on. The language describing a proposed levy should be clear, concise and easy to understand. That’s common sense – and that’s what this plan does," stated Representative Merrin.

Merrin highlighted the need for updating the current system, stating that the language used on ballots has become outdated and confusing due to state law not keeping up with the times. He explained that the bill would require ballot language and election notices to convey a proposed property tax levy’s rate in dollars for each $100,000 of a property’s fair market value, rather than in dollars for each $100 of taxable value.

"This is not only easier to understand, but it is consistent with how news outlets and levy campaign supporters often describe a levy proposal," Merrin emphasized.

In addition to the changes in language presentation, the bill would also mandate that ballot language and election notices include an estimate of how much the levy would collect annually. This measure was previously included in the state budget but was later vetoed by Governor Mike DeWine.

House Bill 76 was approved by a vote of 54-39 in the Ohio House of Representatives and will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.