The following is a press release issued by Champaign County Prosecutor Kevin Talebi regarding a special session of the Champaign County Budget Commission held on December 16, 2025:
“On December 16, 2025, the Champaign County Budget Commission met in special session to discuss the Decision and Order of the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals in case no 2025-1866, Board of Education of the Graham Local School District, et al., v. Shelby County Budget Commission, et al.
“Upon reviewing the Decision of the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals and upon discussing the same with legal counsel, it was the unanimous decision of the Champaign County Budget Commission to appeal the decision of the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals to an Appellate Court.
“The Champaign County Budget Commission believes that the Decision and order of the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals is flawed and that the Board of Tax Appeals failed to apply the appropriate legal standard. Therefore, the Budget Commission has decided to appeal the Decision to the appropriate Appellate Court.”
“The Budget Commission is mindful of the community interest in this decision and recognizes the precedent that such a decision may hold in the future. Whatever the outcome, we have a responsibility to make sure the decision is consistent with Ohio Law. For these reasons, the Budget Commission believes it is very important for these legal issues to be fully vetted and reviewed by an Appellate Court.”
— Champaign County Prosecutor Kevin Talebi
