As discussions continue about the possibility of abolishing property taxes across the state, Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder—who previously served as county Auditor—shared a detailed look at exactly where these funds go.
As of last Thursday, October 9, a total of $71,488,542.17 in real property taxes has been distributed throughout Logan County.
These funds support a broad range of local entities, including the county government, one city, seventeen townships, twelve villages, eleven public schools, four fire districts, four ambulance districts, two joint vocational schools, and one public library—a total of 53 entities.
The county has 185 active levies that voters have approved.
Here’s how they break down:
- 42 is inside millage for general purposes
- 49 fund current expenses
- 23 support fire, ambulance, and EMS services
- 16 go toward road and bridge projects
- 12 are designated for permanent improvements
- 10 fund school bonds
- 7 support cemeteries
- 5 cover emergency school levies
- 5 fund police services
- 4 support Developmental Disabilities programs
- 2 each go to substitute schools, parks, and city police and fire pensions
- 1 each supports children’s services, the historical society, mental health, classroom facilities, the library, and ambulance equipment
When asked where the money would come from if property taxes were eliminated, local leaders had no clear answer.
Speculation included the state stepping in, potential increases to sales taxes, or even new income taxes.
Ultimately, several of the county’s services—especially schools—would likely suffer while a solution was figured out.
