Joint News Release
June 17, 2025

Ohio Lawmakers Considering Devastating Cuts to Loveland Community
Property Tax Reform Bill Would Slash Funds for Public Schools and Communities Across Ohio

Ohio lawmakers are considering House Bill 335, a significant change to Ohio property tax laws that would result in devastating cuts to local public services, including schools, police departments, fire departments, and other essential services. 

“If House Bill 335 is approved, Loveland City School District would lose nearly $6 million per year in funding, which would require us to slash our budget or ask our local community for large tax levies every few years to make up the funding shortfall,” Loveland City School District Treasurer John Espy said. 

House Bill 335, introduced by State Representatives Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and David Thomas (R-Jefferson), would make several changes to Ohio property tax laws. The most significant change for Loveland City School District is the elimination of school districts being able to collect current inside millage. Loveland City School District collects 4.56 mills of property tax each year through inside millage. Losing 4.56 mills in property taxes would mean an immediate reduction of $5,846,450 per year in funding. 

“This bill is bad for students, bad for school districts, and bad for communities. We are a people-based business, and most of our budget pays the people who teach and care for our students. Funding cuts of this magnitude could force us to eliminate nearly 100 staff members, which would have devastating consequences on our students' success,” Loveland City School District Superintendent Mike Broadwater said.

The bill would also eliminate the ability of counties, villages, and cities to collect inside millage. The City of Loveland would lose more than $1.6 million in property tax funds per year. 

“The City of Loveland takes pride in the services we provide to our residents and the ongoing improvements we make to our infrastructure, including our city parks. The loss of this revenue would have an immediate and significant impact on essential city services, including police operations, and could ultimately affect Fire and EMS coverage. General fund revenues are an important financial resource for the city and are frequently used as the local match for grants that fund critical improvements to sidewalks, roads, and parks,” Loveland Mayor Kathy Bailey said.

“We understand the desire for property tax reform, but believe lawmakers need to thoroughly understand the implications of legislation by fully vetting the proposals with all parties that would be impacted. The funds targeted by this bill are vital to allow our community to provide essential services, thrive, and plan for the future,” Treasurer John Espy said.

Contact local lawmakers by visiting lovelandschools.org/lobby and urge them to reject House Bill 335. On that page, you will also find the legislative requests Loveland City School District has made to lawmakers as they continue work on the state budget.