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.
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.
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Hamilton County Commissioners Allocate Extra Funds to Help Homeowners Pay Past-Due Mortgages, Property Taxes and Utilities
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.
This article appears in Mar 20 – Apr 2, 2024.