DEAR EDITOR:

About one month ago there was an editorial on the attempt to place a constitutional amendment eliminating property taxes. It was unsettling to read that the editorial was opposed to this effort. The Ohio State Supreme Court had ruled over a decade ago that property taxes were not to fund Ohio public schools. As per usual, rulings by the court that our government doesn’t agree with are just ignored.

Ohio is also in the top 10 of the states with the highest property taxes. For a state that wants to try to entice immigration here, this ranking would be a red flag. I was more than happy to sign the petition and look forward to voting to eliminate property taxes. This tax has always been unfair and for practical purposes, we really don’t own our homes. If the state can take our property for failing to pay the tax bill, we are just leasing from the state.

With the latest revaluation my taxes are $4,600 per year and in 2026 another revaluation will occur. The state compels us to pay, but the state never seems to cut expenses. Also, explain why property taxes are based on unrealized gains. My house value means nothing if I don’t sell. Only my heirs will benefit.

I am sure the politicians can find other ways to fund services that are more fair. How about a sales tax? Also, how about a countywide consolidation of services in Ohio? This would eliminate a considerable amount of administrative expenses.

Disgusted.

JIM McCLOSKEY

Boardman