Proposed bill would reduce County's annual general fund revenue budget by 20%

LETTER PROVIDED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE ADA ICON__The Hardin County Commissioners, with respect, would like to convey their thoughts concerning House Bill 335. Needless to say, as written, Hardin County opposes House Bill 335 as introduced with the elimination of inside millage, which is currently 2.8 mills. The effect of this change would be a reduction of approximately 20% of the County's Annual General Fund Revenue Budget. To compensate for that, the state is recommending adding up to an additional 1% sales tax, but it would need voter approval. Hardin County's greatest fear is the inability of our Hardin County citizens to pass a sales tax increase, no matter what the percentage increase is. Our suggestion would be to have any tax increase to offset House Bill 335 Inside Millage reduction would be mandated by the State of Ohio. Without this revenue, Hardin County would be forced to make annual cost reductions to our General Fund by 20%. 

Our second concern deals with Green Energy PILOT payments, and the lack of any mentioning of it or understanding the potential consequences if HB 335 is adopted. In our opinion, as proposed, our PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) is in jeopardy of losing an additional $160,500 with the county's inside millage removed from the PILOT calculation. Our recommendation is that there are no changes to the existing PILOT formula, pertaining to current inside millage. 

As you can see, there is much concern with HB 335 and the Hardin County Commissioners. We humbly request your consideration of our thoughts. 

Thank you. 

Fred Rush - Chairman 

Joe Sherman 

Tim Striker 

Dated 6/17/9025

HARDIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ONE COURTHOUSE SQUARE
SUITE 100 KENTON, OHIO 43326
419-674-2205
E-Mail [email protected]