Journal-News.com

HAMILTON — Legislation introduced this week by a local state representative aims to ease the financial burden placed on homeowners due to property value reappraisal increases.

State Rep. Courtney Combs (R-Hamilton) introduced Wednesday, Nov. 5, House Bill 630, which would reduce property value 10 percent for all homeowners in 2009. That means a homeowner whose house is appraised at $100,000 would pay property taxes as if it were a $90,000 valuation.

Combs, who on Tuesday won his third term as state representative for the 54th District, said the measure was being introduced as a response to taxable values going up as much as 12 percent in some counties — 5.95 percent on average in Butler County — while sale values are dropping.

"Many residents are suffering with higher property taxes even when their homes are declining in value," Combs said last month. "I believe decreasing the property value by 10 percent will help provide Ohio residents with some much needed relief and will allow the reappraisal numbers to catch up to their fair market value."

Combs' plan will allow for similar reductions in 2010 and 2011 if necessary.

The value reduction would apply to residential properties only. This would lead to a small tax reduction for homeowners whose value increased less than 10 percent.