Title
To oppose the elimination of property taxes in Ohio as proposed by the Committee to Abolish Property Taxes.
Body
WHEREAS, the Columbus City Council, representing residents within the city of Columbus, ensures that essential services are provided to communities; and
WHEREAS, property taxes are a major source of funding for these services within Columbus, as well as the primary source of funding to support primary education within Columbus and surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, property taxes support public libraries, children's services, our beloved Metro Parks system, drug and alcohol treatment services, residents living with developmental disabilities, and programming serving senior residents; and
WHEREAS, eliminating this funding would result in severe reductions to our community's budget and corresponding services, including public safety, community recreation, refuse collection, and public health; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus and surrounding communities would likewise experience a dramatic impact on schools, as well as services for seniors, children, and vulnerable residents; and
WHEREAS, the loss of property tax revenue would likely require the elimination of programming serving thousands of residents, or significant increases in income taxes, sales taxes, or other statewide taxes, shifting the burden rather than solving it; and
WHEREAS, while property taxes are a serious concern for many Ohioans, eliminating them entirely without a responsible alternative is a reckless and unsustainable approach; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council hereby opposes the elimination of property taxes in Ohio as proposed by the Committee to Abolish Property Taxes.