Erie County says it is the first in Ohio to implement all maximum county-authorized property tax relief measures for eligible homeowners.
SANDUSKY, Ohio — The Erie County Commissioners voted to renew three major property tax relief measures on Wednesday. The county says that makes Erie County the first in Ohio to implement all of the maximum property tax relief options authorized under state law.
The commissioners approved renewing the county’s expanded Homestead Exemption and the Owner-Occupancy Tax Credit. Officials said the decision follows strong public support after the programs’ first year.
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County officials estimate the initiatives have delivered more than $23 million in property tax relief over the past several years. That includes $4.5 million in savings through the Homestead Exemption for the 2026 and 2027 tax years, $2.5 million through the Owner-Occupancy Tax Credit and approximately $16 million over the past two years by suspending the collection of County General Fund property taxes.
A decision on the suspension of property taxes that would otherwise go to the general fund in 2027 is awaiting a decision from the county budget commission.
The Homestead Exemption provides additional property tax relief for qualifying homeowners who are at least 65 years old or permanently disabled.
The Owner-Occupancy Tax Credit provides up to a 2.5% reduction in property taxes for primary residences regardless of age or income and is expected to benefit nearly 14,000 properties this year.
County commissioners said the renewed measures are intended to ease the financial burden on homeowners while maintaining essential county services.