Athens City Council’s Finance Committee on Tuesday discussed an annual resolution to accept the county’s property tax revenue allocation, City Auditor Josh Thomas said. The resolution is scheduled for a first reading at the council’s next regular meeting Oct. 19.
Thomas estimated Athens’ share of 2027 county property tax revenue at about $1.24 million. That compares with $1.11 million last year, an increase of roughly 12%.
Council member Michael Wood said the allocation is not a new tax, but the Athens County Budget Commission’s projection of 2027 property tax revenue. The commission includes Auditor Jill Davidson, Treasurer Taylor Sappington, and Prosecutor Keller Blackburn. Under Ohio law, counties can levy up to 10 inside mills without voter approval, and the commission divides that millage among townships, municipalities and school districts.
Finance Committee Chair Jessica Thomas said most city property lies in Athens Township, with other parts in Canaan Township. Owners in Athens Township pay 2.6 inside mills, or $2.60 per $1,000 of assessed value; those in Canaan Township pay 2.4 mills, or $2.40 per $1,000.
Auditor Thomas has said the city’s county property tax share is small relative to total collections. The two townships generate just over $503 million, he said, and the city received $1.11 million last year. By contrast, the city income tax, rising to 2.15% in January 2027, is expected to supply more than half of the city’s $21 million general fund.
Committees also discussed MOUs with AFSCME locals. One would require spouses of city employees to take employer-offered coverage when available, not applying to children. Another would compensate parking enforcement officers for repairing garage gates. Appropriations forwarded included $45,000 for water maintenance, $25,000 for elevator repairs, $30,000 for stormwater flood walls, $65,000 for parking system maintenance, and $15,000 for landfill gas monitoring.