Amid rising property taxes in Hamilton County, Cincinnati City Council is considering allocating $1 million to help low-income property owners pay delinquent property taxes.
The motion was presented by Mayor Aftab Pureval and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney during an April 1 Budget and Finance Committee meeting. The motion passed and will advance to a final vote at council's regular meeting on April 3.
To be eligible, homeowners must live in the property and make 80% or less of the area median income. Homes with up to four units would be eligible if the property is owner-occupied.
"This is for a residents' primary residence only. It's not for investment properties," said Kearney.
Kearney noted that Cincinnati residents are behind on property taxes by about $3.2 million. The neighborhoods with the most homeowners behind on property taxes include Westwood, West Price Hill and Avondale.
Kearney noted that Cincinnati residents are behind on property taxes by about $3.2 million. The neighborhoods with the most homeowners behind on property taxes include Westwood, West Price Hill and Avondale.
City administrators are working to develop a streamlined 10-day process for residents to apply for and access the funds.
Many Hamilton County homeowners felt sticker shock after seeing how much their property taxes have gone up in 2024 — some as much as tripling.
Council's motion comes after Hamilton County commissioners approved the reallocation of $701,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide payment assistance to eligible homeowners in February. The Hamilton County Mortgage, Property Tax and Utility Program now has $1.4 million to help cover up to six months of past-due mortgage, property taxes and utilities for owner-occupied properties.
Council's motion comes after Hamilton County commissioners approved the reallocation of $701,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide payment assistance to eligible homeowners in February. The Hamilton County Mortgage, Property Tax and Utility Program now has $1.4 million to help cover up to six months of past-due mortgage, property taxes and utilities for owner-occupied properties.
Homeowners can apply for relief from the county at 513relief.org. If you experience internet or computer issues, you can contact United Way Care Navigators by calling 211.
