Cincinnati task force recommends property tax relief

By Mark JeffreysCity CouncilmemberProperty Tax Task Force ChairIn March, Councilmember Mark Jeffreys established the Property Tax Task Force to address rising property taxes, explore opportunities for relief and advocate for sustainable solutions both locally and statewide.The group met biweekly and organized two town halls to gather community input. The task force is a diverse collective of local human services organizations, real estate experts and impacted residents.After months of meetings, dialogue and research, the task force has prepared its findings and recommendations in a report that was presented to the City Council’s Budget & Finance Committee on Sept. 9.Among the Task Force’s suggestions include advocating for state legislation, subsidizing energy efficiency programs to reduce energy costs and consumption, providing additional relief for delinquent property taxes, and raising awareness about the available exemptions and resources for eligible homeowners.The main objective of the task force was to develop short and long-term recommendations for providing relief to property owners who have been adversely impacted by the significant rise in property taxes throughout Cincinnati.Those recommendations have been focused on what Cincinnati can control to support struggling property owners, as well as what Cincinnati can advocate for at other levels of government to directly impact individuals’...