Ohio leaders warn of 18% sales tax, deep cuts if property taxes are abolished

As a grassroots effort ramps up to make Ohio the first state to end property taxes, government officials caution of "catastrophic" impacts on schools, public services.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A citizen-led effort is underway in Ohio to permanently abolish property taxes, but state and local leaders are warning of dire consequences if the proposal succeeds. According to a state budget office analysis, eliminating property taxes could result in a $24 billion loss to local governments, forcing deep cuts to essential services like schools, police, and fire departments. To make up the difference, Ohio would need to implement the highest state sales tax or income tax in the U.S. - as high as 18% or 15% respectively. Township leaders and educators are strongly opposing the measure, calling it "reckless" and "unimaginably harmful" to communities.

Why it matters

The push to end property taxes in Ohio reflects growing frustration among homeowners over rising tax bills, but state and local officials argue that the proposed solution would create an even bigger crisis. Eliminating this major revenue source for local governments could devastate public services and lead to school closures, staff layoffs, and slower emergency response times across the state. This bipartisan clash highlights the challenge of balancing taxpayer relief with the need to fund critical community infrastructure.

The details

The grassroots Committee to Abolish Ohio's Property Taxes is leading the effort to get a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot that would permanently eliminate property taxes. Organizers say the goal is to bring stability to school funding, support businesses, and reduce housing costs. However, the proposal does not outline a specific plan to replace the lost revenue. A state budget office analysis warns that without property taxes, which make up about 65% of local tax revenue in Ohio, local governments would face "catastrophic" impacts. To make up the difference, the state would need to implement an 18% sales tax or raise the income tax to as high as 15%, leaving some Ohioans paying up to 27% in income taxes. Township leaders, educators, and state lawmakers from both parties are strongly opposing the measure, calling it "reckless" and "unimaginably harmful" to communities.

  • The Committee to Abolish Ohio Property Taxes must gather over 413,000 signatures from registered voters by July 2026 to get the measure on the November 2026 ballot.
  • Ohio lawmakers have passed a series of bills over the last year aimed at providing property tax relief, but some homeowners say those efforts have been too little, too late.

The players

Sarah Wolf

A homeowner in Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood who has joined the grassroots effort to abolish property taxes after her tax bill tripled to over $15,000 per year.

Tony Rosiello

The chairman of the Green Township board of trustees, who says the township could lose $36.5 million, nearly half its budget, if property taxes are eliminated.

Jeff Wensing

The president of the Ohio Education Association, the union representing over 120,000 Ohio teachers, faculty and support professionals, who says abolishing property taxes would be "unimaginably harmful" to students and communities.

Rob McColley

The Republican Ohio Senate President, who warns that the state cannot afford to pick up the tab if property taxes are abolished, leading to dramatic increases in other taxes.

Dani Isaacsohn

The Ohio House Minority Leader, a Democrat, who acknowledges the frustration over rising property taxes but says the all-or-nothing approach is not the answer.

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What they’re saying

“Even I underestimated not just the anger, but the absolute anguish of people out there. We've got seniors going back to work to pay their taxes.”

— Sarah Wolf, Homeowner (wlwt.com)

“Imagine walking into a store, whatever you're buying, and there's, you know, an additional 17, 18, 19 or 20% that you're paying on top of that. It would be devastating to Ohio families.”

— Mike DeWine, Ohio Governor (wlwt.com)

“We'd be out of business.”

— Tony Rosiello, Chairman, Green Township Board of Trustees (wlwt.com)

“Abolishing property taxes outright would destabilize public safety and lead to crumbling infrastructure.”

— Ohio Township Association (wlwt.com)

“We understand people's frustration with the state's refusal to pay its fair share of public education funding in the state — Our lawmakers have passed the buck and pushed the burden onto local property taxpayers for far too long. But abolishing property taxes is not the answer.”

— Jeff Wensing, President, Ohio Education Association (wlwt.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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