County Commissioners Reduce Property Taxes for Property Owners
Vol. III, No. 152 - County Commissioners Demonstrate Leadership in Lowering Taxes. Now Others MUST Follow
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Miami County leaders have just rolled out two moves aimed at giving homeowners much-needed property tax breaks. On Tuesday morning, the County Commissioners and Auditor Matt Gearhart shared a pretty big announcement: Miami County is lowering its own property tax rate and boosting the popular Homestead Exemption program, helping thousands of residents keep more money in their pockets for the year ahead.
The broadest action freezes the County’s inside millage property tax rate at roughly the same level the county collected last year, stopping what would have been a sneaky jump in property taxes for many residents. The effective millage rate is going from 2.40 mills down to 1.88 mills, starting with taxes paid in 2026. With this new rate, the county is deciding to forgo more than $2.2 million that would have come from uncapped, unvoted tax increases. That’s money that stays with taxpayers instead of flowing straight into government accounts. And granted, a reduction of 0.52 mills of funding may not mean much, the Commissioners’ hands are tied in what taxes that they can actually decrease. In this case, this millage reduction is going to impact the County’s General Fund.
Miami County’s second step is doubling the Homestead Exemption, which helps seniors, disabled homeowners, and surviving spouses of veterans by taking hundreds off their annual tax bill. By taking the measure, Miami County is only the third county in the entire state to enact this program, which was recently authorized through the State’s biennium budget bill.
Next year, average savings for most people enrolled in Homestead, which is primarily senior citizens, will jump from $379 up to about $750. Disabled veterans and their families will see their yearly break climb from $763 to as much as $1,500—a real difference for folks on fixed incomes. The county is letting go of over $450,000 to make this happen through their local option, showing, as officials say, that “good government” starts with putting people first.
Auditor Matt Gearhart said, “Taxpayers have been pleading for property tax relief, and this is the right thing to do at the local level.” Gearhart made it clear this move stops a big spike in property taxes and shows the county is listening to the community. Commissioner Ted Mercer explained that Miami County’s finances are strong, so they can afford to give taxpayers this break and still offer top-notch services everyone relies on. Commissioner Wade Westfall called the changes a mix of fiscal discipline and compassion, balancing smart money management with care for local families.
This is what local leadership looks like: not just making promises but actually taking action to make life easier for everyday people. As Commissioner Greg Simmons put it, the decision shows what good government should be—responsible, balanced, and focused squarely on the people who live here.
But there’s more work to do. In reality, the county’s main source of tax income isn’t from property tax, but it’s still a signficant source of income. And the Commissioners are leading by example — If the county can lead the way by holding the line on taxes, other parts of local government should step up too.
School districts and municipal leaders across Miami County now have an obligation to follow. Homeowners dependent on local schools for their children’s education or towns for basic services want to see the same commitment to lowering their property taxes. It’s time for school boards and city and village councils to study this bold step and look hard for ways to bring down their own tax rates without cutting back on quality. Which don’t let anyone fool you, this is a goal that can be accomplished.
With costs going up in every direction, families deserve more help. Miami County has proven that careful budgeting and forward thinking can turn into real savings for residents. The next challenge is for everyone else—from villages to school districts—to find their own ways to give property owners a break.
This action sends a loud message to government officials everywhere: public service should be about helping people keep more of what they earn, not growing taxes every year just because a property assessor says it can.
The County Commissioners have set the standard. Now, it’s time for every corner of the county to follow suit, working together to make our communities more affordable, strong, and welcoming for all.
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