Another Historic Day in Lake County; Lake County Officials to Provide Over $9 Million in Local Tax Relief Measures and Benefits for Homeowners Across Lake County
PAINESVILLE, Ohio, June 25, 2026– The Lake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Local Optional Homestead Tax Exemption, proposed a reduction in collections for the Lake County Crime Laboratory Levy from 0.7 mills to 0.6 mills, and the Lake County Auditor announced a return of $750,000.00 in Real Estate Assessment fees to local political subdivisions.
The resolution adopts a Local Optional Homestead Tax Exemption, allowing qualifying senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled homeowners to receive double the state-funded homestead exemption from the current average amount of $500.00 to an average of $1,000.00. This measure follows new authority granted to counties under Ohio House Bill 96, effective September 30, 2025. This exemption will save taxpayers over $8 million annually.
The Commissioners also proposed a reduction in the Lake County Crime Laboratory Levy at its annual Tax Budget Hearing. The Tax Budget is slated for consideration at their July 9th Commissioners’ meeting. This reduction is estimated to save taxpayers an additional $550,000.00 approximately per year.
Lastly, Lake County Auditor Christopher Galloway announced a return of $750,000.00 in Real Estate Assessment fees to local political subdivisions.
“These initiatives continue the work we started last year in addressing the complex issue of property tax relief. It is clear to me that we are too dependent on property taxes at the local level in Lake County. All elected officials should be engaging in a broader conversation about overall budgets and how we can respect taxpayers’ concerns while maintaining the high level of services we have grown accustomed to here in Lake County,” said Commission President Morris W. Beverage III.
“Politicians need to remember we work for the taxpayers, not government. Our vote to double the homestead exemption and reduce levy collections provides real, tangible relief for seniors and homeowners without compromising the quality of services our residents depend on. That said, I am the first to acknowledge these property taxes cuts are nowhere near enough to solve the property tax crisis. No senior and nobody should be taxed out of their home, and I won’t stop fighting to cut property taxes for you,” said Commissioner John T. Plecnik.
“I am committed to supporting our senior citizens and I am committed to maintaining the homestead exemption. It is my goal to make a decision that communicates my priorities and supports stability in budgeting. Considering the additional state reforms passed and the additional benefit coming to taxpayers, my decision balances the need for tax relief, the need to stabilize budgeting and funding our schools and local governments across Lake County,” said Commissioner Morgan R. McIntosh.
“I am pleased to be able to return excess Real Estate Assessment fees back to our local communities. The partnership with the Board of Commissioners allowed us to take a macro-level view of taxes in Lake County and provide relief to both citizens and the political subdivisions in our community,” said Auditor Christopher Galloway.
These programs will take effect for the 2026 tax year. No additional application is required.
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