Bill > HB499

This bill modifies laws governing county budget commissions and property taxation, with several key provisions. The bill updates how the Department of Education and Workforce calculates and distributes funds to school districts, specifying that certification of moneys will include amounts payable to each school building for different student subgroups. It clarifies that county budget commissions can adjust tax levy amounts, but with important restrictions: no levy can be reduced below the previous year's collection level without offsetting funds, and school districts must maintain at least 20 mills for current operating expenses. The bill also provides new guidelines for how county public library funds are distributed, allowing for alternative apportionment methods that must be approved by various local governmental bodies. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision requiring the tax commissioner to annually determine and certify rate changes for qualifying fixed-sum levies to ensure they produce the specified amount of tax money, with county auditors then applying these adjusted rates. These changes aim to provide more flexibility and precision in local government and school district financial planning while maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Budget and Finance

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb499