DEAR EDITOR:

Reduce inside millage to offset revaluation tax increases !!

Trumbull County property owners have experienced significant property tax bills as a result of recent and ongoing countywide reappraisals and valuation update; these increases occurred without corresponding increases in household income, placing a growing burden on our Seniors, working families and fixed income residents; and Ohio law requires County Auditors to assess property at market value, and county commissioners cannot refuse or overturn assessments, but do retain authority over county controlled tax policy; and County “inside millage” is not subject to House Bill 920 rollbacks, meaning assessment increases can and do result in automatic tax increases unless action is taken by the county; and County Commissioners have the legal authority to reduce inside millage, decline new county levies and take formal positions advocating state level reform.

I’m requesting that Trumbull County Board of Commissioners take the following action:

•Reduce County inside millage, that the Board formally vote to reduce Trumbull Counties inside millage rate to offset increased tax burdens resulting from Higher Property Tax valuations.

This action is within the commissioners authority, this reduction would provide immediate and direct relief to all county property owners.

This action does not interfere with assessments or violate state law!

•Commit to NO NEW property tax levies! That the Board of Commissioner commit to placing no new county property tax levies on the ballot unless clearly demonstrated as unavoidable and subject to public justification.!

• Expand Awareness and access to existing tax relief, That the board direct county offices to expand public outreach regarding “homestead exemption”, Owner-Occupancy reductions, valuation appeal rights including clear deadlines. simplified instructions and proactive notice to eligible homeowners.

I’m asking the Board of Commissioners of Trumbull County to read this in a public agenda, formally respond to each requested item and take all lawful steps necessary to protect residents from unsustainable property tax increases.

ROBERT PLANT

Warren