By Brian Massie, A Watchman on the Wall, A.C.P.E.
Well, look what the Lake County Democratic Party is planning for Thursday, June 25th outside of the Lake County Administration building.
It looks like they do not care if seniors get priced out of their homes with the ever-increasing property taxes. They seem to forget that several school districts increased property tax revenue last year due to the 20 mill floor, and not voted on by the taxpayers. Willoughby-Eastlake, for example, got over $8 million without a vote of the taxpayers.
What about the Lake County Republican Party? Are they the Party of reducing taxes? Do they believe that the public sector has outgrown the private sector’s ability to pay for the services. Do they believe that private property ownership is important.
The Lake County Commissioners will vote at next Thursday’s meeting (June 25) to extend the credit for the homestead exemption and owner occupancy tax reduction. Commissioner Plecnik is a strong advocate for the people and will vote to continue the reduction in the property taxes. Beverage and McIntosh are the unknowns at this time.
The Homestead Exemption and Owner Occupancy Reduction are two distinct property tax relief programs in Ohio (often handled at the county level) that help primary residents save money on their tax bills.
Owner-Occupancy Tax Reduction
This is a standard 2.5% tax rollback applied to qualified levies for any property you own and use as your primary residence (domicile) on January 1 of the tax year.
- Eligibility: Available to all homeowners who live in their own homes.
- Limits: It only applies to the home and up to one acre of land. Rental properties, businesses, and second homes do not qualify.
- Application: You generally only need to apply once when you purchase the home. It typically remains on the property until the ownership transfers or you move.
Homestead Exemption
This is a more substantial property tax reduction aimed at seniors, totally and permanently disabled individuals, and surviving spouses.
- Benefits: It effectively shields a portion of your home’s market value from taxation, which translates to direct savings on your property taxes.
- Eligibility:
- You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1.
Republicans, Independents, and patriotic Democrats – Please join us on Thursday, at 9:00 am in front of the Lake County Administration Building to support continuing the property tax reductions for the citizens of Lake County. Speak at the Commissioners’ meeting at 10:00 am, and ask them to vote to continue to give the Lake County homeowners the tax break they need and deserve.
Categories: Lake County - General, Lake County Politics, Uncategorized