Eliminating Property Taxes Could Reshape Local Government

Officials warn that abolishing property taxes could dismantle the primary funding source for townships and significantly reduce services across Geauga County.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 8:00am

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This is the second part of a three-part series examining how property taxes work, why they exist, and the potential impact of a state-wide movement to abolish them. While some taxpayers are pushing to eliminate property taxes, local officials warn doing so could jeopardize essential services like road maintenance and emergency response, and fundamentally reshape grassroots government, especially for townships that rely heavily on property tax revenue.

Why it matters

Property taxes make up a significant portion of local government funding, particularly for townships, which rely on them more than other types of municipalities. Eliminating property taxes could dismantle the primary funding source for townships and significantly reduce services across Geauga County, raising concerns about the future of grassroots government.

The details

Cities, townships and villages provide residents with services such as road maintenance, parks, cemeteries, police, fire and EMS protection, and zoning regulations. Townships rely primarily on property taxes as their main source of revenue, while cities can draw from income taxes and other sources. Eliminating property taxes would force municipalities to reduce services, seek alternative revenue sources, and potentially consider consolidating some services with nearby entities.

  • This is the second of a three-part series.
  • The 'Axe the Tax' campaign to eliminate property taxes has been ongoing.

The players

Brian Massie

Leader of the 'Axe the Tax' campaign, which is pushing to eliminate property taxes.

Kristina O'Brien

Bainbridge Township Trustee, who discussed the township's reliance on property tax revenue.

Dan Matsko

Auburn Township Fiscal Officer, who discussed the high cost of road projects and the impact of eliminating property taxes.

Ben Young

Chardon City Manager, who explained the city's reliance on income taxes rather than property taxes.

Nick Giardina

Middlefield Village Fiscal Officer, who discussed the village's revenue sources and the potential impact of eliminating property taxes.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.