Mary Huttlinger, RAGC Director of Government Affairs, Jason Kunkel, RAGC Board of Directors, Alicia Reece, President of the Hamilton County Commission, Maura Black, RAGC 2025 Vice Chair Advocacy and Legislative Committee, and Jeff Rosa, RAGC 2024 Chair Advocacy and Legislative Committee, following the vote to provide Hamilton County homeowners with a full 30% property tax rebate.
The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati scored a major legislative win yesterday, playing a leading role in securing a 30% property tax rebate for Hamilton County homeowners in 2025.
Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece and Commission Stephanie Summerow Dumas approved the full 30% rebate during its meeting on Nov. 21, providing relief to homeowners facing historic appraisal increases and skyrocketing tax bills.
“This rebate is vital for Hamilton County homeowners, especially in light of the unprecedented appraisal increases and the resulting extraordinary tax bills many will face next year,” said Tracy Dunne, President of the REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati. “We applaud our County leaders for providing timely, meaningful relief, which will help protect seniors, veterans, single-income families, first-time homebuyers, and other vulnerable populations from the undue financial strain caused by rising assessments.”
The property tax rebate is tied to the sales tax increase for construction of new stadiums on the riverfront in 1996. This marks only the fourth time that a full 30% rebate has been approved, the others occurring in 2012, 2017 and 2022.
Property taxes in Hamilton County have steadily increased over the past several years, driven by rising property values, increasing economic indexes and growing county budgetary needs, notes Jason Kunkel, a member of the RAGC Board of Directors, who testified in support of the full 30% rebate during the Nov. 21 hearing.
“We understand the county’s need to meet its lease obligations, but after that, the rebate should be a top priority,” Kunkel said. “These funds are not just about keeping a promise—they’re about keeping people in their homes. We commend the Commissioners for honoring the commitment made decades ago and providing relief to those who need it most.”
Maura Black, a member of the RAGC Advocacy & Legislative Committee, echoed those thoughts during her testimony.
“The full property tax rebate represents a unique opportunity to provide much-needed financial relief, stimulate the real estate market and stabilize communities,” Black noted. “The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati has a vested interest, as we promote homeownership, protect private property rights and strive to foster economic growth.”