Election Day this year falls on November 3. In the four counties that the REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati operates within, there are numerous ballot issues affecting the real estate industry and our members.
The polls are open on November 3, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Early In-Person voting and Absentee Voting by mail began on October 6. Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8:30 p.m. on October 27. Absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. on November 3.
To view your sample ballot and find the issues that you specifically will be voting on, go to the Ohio Secretary of State website and request a sample ballot.
The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati encourages all its members to educate themselves on these issues and exercise their constitutional right to vote by going to the ballot box this November to have their voices be heard.
Below you will find several key issues across different counties in the Greater Cincinnati region.
In Hamilton County, there are several issues to be aware of.
- Cincinnati Public Schools
- Cincinnati Public Schools has proposed an additional five-year, 7-mill operating levy for the purpose of current expenses. The county auditor estimates the proposed levy would generate $66.3 million annually. The proposed levy would create an additional cost of $245 per year for a home with a $100,000 market value.
- Hamilton County Children’s Services
- Hamilton County has proposed a renewal and increase tax levy for the benefit of Hamilton County for the purpose of support for children’s services and care and placement of children. The county auditor estimates the proposed levy will collect $116.89 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 5.61 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The proposed levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $121 annually. Currently, without the increase, the cost to the owner of a $100,000 home is $82 annually.
- Sycamore Community Schools
- Sycamore Community Schools has proposed an additional tax for the purpose of current expenses and permanent improvements. The county auditor has estimated that the proposed levy will collect $17.9 million annually, not exceeding 6.95 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The proposed levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $243 a year.
- North College Hill Schools
- North College Hill City School District has proposed an income tax of 1.25% on the earned income of individuals residing in the school district. This proposed income tax would be active for five years beginning on January 1, 2027, for the purpose of current expenses.
- Local Operating Levies
- Cheviot – Renewal of a tax for the purpose of current expenses. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $158,674 annually at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $18 for each $100,000 of market value.
- Deer Park – Renewal of a tax for the purpose of current expenses. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $760,420 annually, at a rate not exceeding 6.9 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $130 for each $100,000 of market value.
- Norwood – Renewal of a tax for the purpose of current operating expenses. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $1.6 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 8 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $47 for each $100,000 of market value.
- Fairfax – Renewal of a tax for the purpose of current operating expenses. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $63,093 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.96 mill for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $19 for each $100,000 of market value.
- Lockland – An additional tax for the purpose of providing and maintain fire and emergency medical services. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $601,165 annually, at a rate not exceeding 8 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $280 for each $100,000 of market value.
- Mariemont – Renewal of a tax for the purpose of permanent improvements. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $310,981 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $40 for each $100,000 of market value.
- North Bend – Renewal of a tax for the purpose of current operating expenses. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $218,098 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $151 for each $100,000 of market value.
- Terrace Park – Renewal of a tax for the purpose of current expenses. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $713,193 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5.58 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $123 for each $100,000 of market value.
- Golf Manor (2) – 1.) Renewal of a tax for the purpose of streets and roads. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $344,919 annually, at a rate not exceeding 8 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The cost to the owner of a home amounts to $126 for each $100,000 of market value. 2.) Renewal of a tax for the purpose of current expense. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $86,230 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $31 for each $100,000 of market value.
In Butler County, there are several issues to be aware of.
- Butler County Mental Health
- Butler County has proposed the renewal of a tax for the purpose of operating mental health service programs and maintaining and operating mental health facilities by the Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $8.4 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $20 for each $100,00 of market value.
- Fairfield City School District
- Fairfield City Schools has proposed an annual income tax of 1.25% on the earned income of individuals residing in the school district for a period of five years for the purpose of current expenses.
- Lakota Local School District
- Lakota Local School District has proposed a replacement levy for the purpose of renovating and improving existing school facilities and constructing school facilities in the principal amount of $223 million to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 37 years. Additionally, an annual levy outside of the ten-mill limitation. Estimated by the county auditor to average 2.2 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to the owner of a home amounts to $77 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, beginning in 2029. It is important to note that this will replace the current bond levy that expires in 2028. The district says homeowners should see essentially no increase in their property-tax bill from the bond issue.
- Northwest and Southwest Schools
- Northwest Schools are proposing a 1.5% continuing earnings tax*. Southwest Local Schools are proposing a 0.25% continuing earnings tax*.
- Village of New Miami Police and Fire Levies
- Village of New Miami Police Department is proposing an additional levy for the purpose of police department operations. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $154,377 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to an owner of a home amounts to $175 for each $100,000 of market value for five years.
- Village of New Miami Fire Department is proposing an additional levy for the purpose of fire and emergency medical services. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $92,626 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to an owner of a home amounts to $105 for each $100,00 of market value for five years.
- Fairfield Township Police
- Fairfield Township Police District is proposing an additional tax for the purpose of police department and emergency medical expenses. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $2.4 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 2.99 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to an owner of a home amounts to $105 for each $100,000 of the market value.
- Hanover Township Fire
- Hanover Township Fire is proposing an additional tax levy for the purpose of providing and maintaining the fire apparatus. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $1.1 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 3.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to an owner of a home amounts to $123 for each $100,000 of the market value for five years.
- Madison Township Fire
- Madison Township Fire District is proposing a renewal tax levy for the purpose of providing and maintaining services provided by a fire department or firefighting company. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $877,642 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to an owner of a home amounts to $73 for each $100,000 of market value.
- Village of College Corner
- The Village of College Corner is proposing a renewal tax levy for the purpose of providing and maintaining services provided by a fire department or firefighting company. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $12,270 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5.2 mills for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to an owner of a home amounts to $29 for each $100,000 of market value.
In Warren County, there are several issues to be aware of.
- Warren/Clinton Mental Health Recovery Board
- Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren and Clinton Counties is proposing a renewal of a tax for the purpose of current expenses to provide mental health services. Estimated by the county auditor to collect $7.6 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value. The annual cost to an owner of a home amounts to $16 for each $100,000 of market value.
- Lebanon City Schools
- Lebanon City School District is proposing an income tax of 1% on the earned income of individuals residing in the school district for ten years, beginning in January of 2027.
- Franklin City Schools
- Franklin City School District is proposing an income tax of 1.25% on the income earned of individuals residing in the school district for five years, beginning in January of 2027. This proposal includes a 1-mill property-tax rollback.
*A “continuing levy” is a property-tax levy that, once approved by voters, does not have a fixed expiration date.
Issue information provided by the Butler County Board of Elections, Hamilton County Board of Elections, Warren County Board of Elections, and the Ohio Secretary of State.