Overview

• The Ohio Ballot Board unanimously certified the proposed amendment, allowing Citizens for Property Tax Reform to begin collecting signatures for the ballot initiative.
• If successful, the amendment would abolish property taxes levied by roughly 4,000 local governments, which currently fund schools, police, fire services, and other essential services.
• Proponents, led by Timberlake Mayor John Marra, argue the current system unfairly burdens homeowners by tying taxes to rising property values without immediate benefits.
• Critics from both parties warn the measure could create a $19 billion funding gap for schools and local services, potentially forcing cuts or alternative tax increases.
• Backers face a steep challenge to collect 413,487 valid signatures across 44 counties by July 2, with a contingency plan to target the November 2026 ballot if the deadline is missed.