Athens residents will vote May 6 in the Primary Election on a new tax reform, Issue 3. If passed, the levy would increase income taxes by 0.3% per year in the City of Athens and would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
The additional taxes would provide funding for safety services such as the police and fire departments. The ballot also dedicates the tax toward “general municipal operations,” including street improvements and public transportation.
Issue 3 would raise taxes from 1.95% to 2.25% of annual income if a majority of voters approve the measure.
In a meeting Dec. 16, Athens City Council discussed whether to put the levy on the ballot, according to a previous report by The Post.
Some council members felt the additional cost was too high to place on the citizens of Athens. Others, including Mayor Steve Patterson, supported the levy, stating it would help fund essential city services.
“Let’s look at the four levies that just passed this year and last year and the last five years, and I look at my property tax has increased over $1,400,” Aaron Thomas, Board of Zoning Appeals member and Athens resident, said. “We are still one of the poorest areas in the entire state of Ohio.”
Councilmember Jessica Thomas also said the tax increase would burden residents, stating that it would be a $120 a year increase on a $40,000 income and a $210 a year increase on a $70,000 income.
This measure will appear as Issue 3 on the ballot, and residents can start early voting April 8 at the Athens County Board of Elections. The polls will be open May 6 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
