Some residents see 30 percent hike in property tax bill

Many residents, who recently received their 2024 Cuyahoga County Real Estate Tax bills, were shocked to see the new totals due. The increases, some of which were more than 30%, were part of the County’s sexennial reappraisal.
According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, “the real property tax is Ohio’s oldest tax. It has been an ad valorem tax – meaning, based on value – since 1825.” That leads to the practice of citizen homeowners continually being taxed on unrealized gains. The homeowner does not realize a gain on the house that was previously purchased until they actually sell the house. The government, however, takes a cut of a proposed gain continually from the time the homeowner purchases the home.
The latest increase has prompted a grassroots effort to reform property tax by a group called Citizens for Property Tax Reform. They aim to rally residents en masse to address Ohio lawmakers in order to facilitate changes. They are currently gathering signatures to show that there is strength in numbers. The movement proposes the following:
Immediate relief for Seniors
Freeze property taxes for all Ohio homeowners 65 years of age or older
Increase the amount of the Homestead Exemption. Expand the requirements so that more seniors are eligible.
Reform property tax for all Ohio homeowners. A total overhaul of the funding mechanism for public education in our elementary and secondary schools.
“If we get enough citizens together, we can make a difference,” stated Beth Blackmarr, Media Relations Representative for the group. “There is power in numbers and there is a way to flex our muscle.” Blackmarr noted that although there are many residents who have already voiced their dismay at their property tax bills, there are still many, who pay their tax with their mortgage, that really haven’t even realized the increased cost.
For more information on the Citizens for Property Tax Reform, contact their Media Relations Representative, Beth Blackmarr at (216) 452-2961, or email her at beth.blackmarr@gmail.com. Blackmarr also said that groups interested in finding out more about the organization, may contact her to speak to their group. The website can also be visited at https://reformpropertytax.com.
In the mean time, Blackmarr encourages residents to contact their state representatives. The information is as follows for North Royalton residents:
Ohio House Representative for North Royalton District 17
Mike D. Dovilla
Phone: (614) 466-4895
You can message Dovilla through the Ohio House website, www.ohiohouse.gov/members/michael-d-dovilla and click on Contact
Ohio Senator for North Royalton District 24
Thomas F. Patton
Phone: (614) 466-8056
You can message Patton through the Ohio Senate website, ohiosenate.gov/members/thomas-f-patton and click on Contact
Even though the first half of the 2024 taxes are due February 20, for those who wish to file a complaint, the deadline is March 31, 2025. There are several ways to file a complaint. An online portal is available at the County website, https://bor.cuyahogacounty.us. Complaints can also be emailed to the office at borinfo@cuyahogacounty.gov, or faxed to 216-443-8282. Complaints can also be mailed to Cuyahoga County Board of Revision, 2079 East 9th Street, 2nd floor, Cleveland, OH 44115. It is important to note that the complaint must be received on or before March 31, 2025. A complaint also can be filed in person at the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision. All complaints that are sent, faxed or emailed must be notarized.
Complaint filing information is available on the Board of Revision website, plus the following free informational sessions are available:
Wednesday, March 5, 6-8 p.m.
Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma Branch, 6996 Powers Boulevard, meeting room C/D.
Wednesday, March 19, 6-8 p.m.
Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville Branch, 18700 Westwood Drive, meeting room.