CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Chillicothe homeowners could get some relief from the city next year as local officials look for ways to reduce the impact of rising property tax bills.
A proposal now moving through City Council would cut the city’s share of property taxes by 12%. Councilman Jeff Creed said the Finance Committee approved sending the measure to the full council last week.
The reduction would affect taxes assessed this year and payable in 2027.
Creed said residents are still expected to see a slight increase in their overall bills because property taxes across Ross County are projected to rise by about 29% to 30%.
For many homeowners, he estimated the increase could amount to roughly $5 to $10 compared with last year, even after the proposed city reduction.
The proposal would mark the second straight year Chillicothe has reduced its portion of the tax burden.
Last year, the city cut its share by 15% as property owners faced another increase. Creed said Ross County commissioners also took similar action.
Reducing the city’s levy again would mean giving up several hundred thousand dollars in revenue, according to Creed. He said council members favored absorbing part of the increase rather than allowing residents to face the full impact at once.
While taxes were one major issue before council, members are also taking another look at where they may eventually meet.
Creed had sponsored legislation that would allow the city to begin discussions over the Foulke Block as a possible future home for council chambers. The ordinance had reached its third reading, but Creed chose not to move it forward after another option surfaced.
That option is the historic Memorial Armory in Yoctangee Park.
The 1928 building has been renovated as part of the larger park improvement project. Its former upstairs gymnasium has been converted into a ballroom and stage area.
Creed said council members plan to inspect the space to determine whether it could accommodate regular meetings, executive sessions and an office for the council clerk.
The armory could carry one major advantage: the city already owns it.
Creed said that could make it the least expensive option, with council primarily needing to prepare the room for its twice-monthly meetings rather than purchase another building.
The park renovation is approaching completion, with a grand opening scheduled for Nov. 6.
The armory is not the only property still under consideration.
Creed said the possibility of purchasing the former Gazette Building remains on the table. Council is waiting for the city auditor and administration to provide more information about what the city can realistically afford.
The discussion comes after council temporarily moved several recent meetings to larger venues because of heightened public interest, particularly surrounding the proposed data center project.
The Sept. 28 meeting was held at the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library annex after the high school auditorium became unavailable.
Creed said council intends to return to its chambers at old City Hall. The traditional chamber seats about 83 people, compared with roughly 125 at the library annex and more than 400 at the high school auditorium.
Creed is the Republican candidate for Chillicothe mayor.
