Ohio lawmakers introduce a new plan to fix property taxes as businesses announce closures
Ohio lawmakers could soon consider a bill to make the state’s property-tax system easier for people to navigate, as some state businesses are struggling to pay their bills and at least one Buckeye State business announced it was closing due to unpaid property taxes totaling more than $160,000.
The as-yet unnumbered bill, sponsored by State Reps. Dave Thomas, R-Jefferson, and Chris Glassburn, D-North Olmsted, would require counties to offer payment plans, according to Cleveland.com. They would also need to guarantee at least 30 days between the mailing of a tax bill and when it is due, and mandate mailed notices when property values change, according to the report.
The bill would also allow levy campaigns to use “if this… then that…” statements on ballots. The lawmakers said it should help voters understand the potential impacts of a levy.
“These changes are each small, but they add transparency and assist the taxpayer in understanding the system better,” Thomas said.
Thomas and Glassburn previously collaborated on House Bill 608 that would, in part, “guarantee at least 30 days between the mailing of a property tax bill and its due date,” “require counties to offer property tax payment plans to help homeowners manage costs” and “allow excess Real Estate Assessment Fund dollars to be returned directly to owner-occupied households.”
“Taxpayers should have a system that works for them, one that is transparent and as fair as possible,” Glassburn said in a release last month. “Today, I introduced legislation with Rep. Thomas to expand taxpayers’ rights and improve processes within our property tax system. These changes are one part of a larger effort to improve our property tax system for everyday Ohioans.”
While lawmakers try to help Ohioans deal with property taxes, some businesses are finding it difficult to pay their tax obligations.
Studio West 117 Fieldhouse said it owes nearly $94,000 in certified delinquent property taxes, according to Signal Cleveland. The developers announced this week that they are closing the space on Dec. 28.
“Over the past three years, we have been honored to serve this incredible community,” they wrote. “Since opening, the Fieldhouse has welcomed thousands of people through its restaurant, events, programs and gymnasium. Together, we hosted more than 70 community fairs, supported over 40 partner organizations and created space for corporate gatherings, networking events, community fundraisers, sports leagues, free senior wellness programs and countless LGBTQ+ arts and entertainment experiences.”
Another business, The Phantasy Theater and a second, related property face approximately $74,000 in delinquent property taxes.
The developers were past due on approximately $222,000 in property taxes in March 2024. However, in June 2024, they cleared some outstanding property tax bills related to the project’s 2023 tax bill.
