WARREN — The Trumbull County commissioners are open to meetings with township trustees and school district leaders to discuss efforts to seek to provide property tax relief by matching the 2.5% reduction now being provided by the state.

The commissioners announced during their Tuesday weekly workshop that they plan efforts to provide relief to local taxpayers by using provisions of Ohio House Bill 96 to match the state’s homestead property tax exemption and increase the amount of sales tax dollars that can stay within the county.

Commissioner Rick Hernandez during Wednesday’s regular meeting stated he received messages from some area superintendents and township trustees questioning the commissioners’ efforts because the proposed actions could negatively affect their budgets.

Commissioner Denny Malloy emphasized that the commissioners do not have the ability to raise taxes. He noted that the six-year assessment of properties is required and done by the state.

Malloy noted that Trumbull has a sales tax of 6.75% of every dollar spent. However, he added, the state uses 5.75% of that money, leaving 1% to be used by the county to operate.

He argued increasing the percentage available to be used by the county by a quarter percent would allow the commissioners and other officials to address local issues without raising taxes.

“We know over the years the townships, especially, have been gutted by the state in the amount of money they get back through the state of Ohio,” Malloy said. “We hope that we can get enough support with our townships to work with them to lobby the state to get a bigger cutback for them.”

Commissioner Tony Bernard on Tuesday suggested the county seek a 1% increase in the amount of money the county receives back from the state, instead of 0.25%.

Malloy noted the property tax exemption being proposed is, in his mind, only the first step. He added his support for efforts to abolish residential property taxes, calling the system a form of double taxation that affects property owners long after they purchase their homes.

“I think there is a better way,” he said. “I believe the state has the money.”

Malloy said if citizens want to pass levies in their communities for specific projects he is supportive of these actions. However, he added, property owners should not be compelled to pay additional taxes without having a voice in the matter.

While Hernandez is in agreement in exploring property tax reform and possibly increasing the homestead tax exemption, he noted he wanted to get more information about the financial impact this act would have on the county.

“Keeping an open mind that we do have to keep our schools operating and we do have to make sure our townships are operating properly, with their emergency medical services, police and road services,” he said.

However, Hernandez emphasized he, personally, is against efforts to completely abolish property tax due to the impact it would have on county budgets.

“Eliminating property taxes will force counties to increase their sales taxes astronomically,” he said. “Abolishing property taxes would decimate all services in the townships, in the cities and in the county.”

“We have to look at the numbers where we would be with the homestead tax credits,” he said. “I still have my reservations until we know what those numbers are.”

Bernard agreed that property owners need some level of property tax relief.

“Our residents pay enough in sales taxes,” he said. “We need to get money back in sales taxes. The state has $4 billion in its rainy day fund. They have the money sitting there. It is time you get back your money.”

Bernard said whatever is to be done will not take effect until 2027, so they will have time to do the proper research needed to come up with the best decisions.