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Bill designed to give taxing authorities increased input into timing of levies
KEITH ARNOLD
Special to the Legal News
Published: April 8, 2025
A central Ohio lawmaker recently introduced his plan to give local taxing authorities, such as counties, townships, municipalities and school districts, input into when to place certain tax levies on the ballot.
House Bill 137 specifically would apply to library district levies and general-health district levies, Rep. Brian Lorenz, R-Powell, said during a Local Government Committee hearing in the Ohio House of Representatives.
“The primary objective of this bill is to authorize taxing authorities to decline submitting a requested library levy or general-health district levy to voters,” he said. “Currently, when a library board or general health district requests a levy, the corresponding taxing authority is obligated to place it on the ballot, irrespective of the broader fiscal landscape or the community’s readiness to support additional taxation. This mandate can lead to voter fatigue and the potential dilution of support for essential services.”
HB 137 would empower local leaders to make decisions that reflect the unique needs and priorities of their communities, he added.
The bill would achieve the intended goal through amendments to sections 3709.29 and 5705.23 of the Ohio Revised Code, testimony provided.
“Under current law, a taxing authority that receives a levy submission request from a library or
general-health district is without discretion to disapprove the request,” attorney Kitty Sorah wrote in analysis for the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Instead, they serve a ministerial role and are required to submit the levy to voters.”
Lorenz said the flexibility afforded the authorities through the legislation would ensure that levy proposals are introduced in a manner and at times that are most likely to garner public support and meet community needs.
“As a former mayor of Powell and now as the state representative for Ohio’s 60th District, I have consistently advocated for policies that promote local control, fiscal prudence and responsive governance,” he said. “HB 137 aligns with these principles by ensuring that decisions about levy submissions are made by those closest to the communities they serve.”
Lorenz cited as a key benefit of the bill the fostering of greater trust between the government and its constituents as local elected officials exercise judgment in these matters and decisions are tailored to local circumstances.
“HB 137 represents a thoughtful approach to modernizing our levy submission process,” he said. “It respects the intelligence and autonomy of local taxing authorities, reduces unnecessary burdens on voters and promotes a more strategic approach to funding essential services.”
The bill awaits further consideration by the committee.
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