Tammy
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Perry Township Trustees Meeting Recap
Resident Engagement, Budget Updates & Zoning Discussion March 11, 2026 – A Pleasant Surprise in Civic Engagement Last night’s Perry Township Trustees meeting was a stark contrast to some other local meetings I’ve attended recently — and in the best way possible. The parking lot was packed with cars, and the meeting room was full.
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Huber Heights City Council Meeting Recap
Grants, Trash Contract Debate & Annexation Concerns Observations from Last Night’s Council Session March 9, 2026 I attended the Huber Heights City Council meeting last night, and overall the meeting moved quickly — lasting less than an hour — but several moments stood out as notable from a citizen engagement perspective. A Strong Opening The
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What the County Auditor Does and How It Affects Local Government
Many people hear the title County Auditor and assume the role only involves property taxes. In reality, the Auditor’s office connects to many parts of local government. It serves as a financial record keeper and a source of transparency for the public. Understanding how the Auditor works with other offices helps residents see why this
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How Montgomery County Property Taxes Are Calculated
Understanding how Montgomery County property taxes are calculated can help homeowners make sense of their tax bill and the information listed on their property record. Many residents see the final number but do not realize that several steps occur before that amount appears on the bill. Property taxes fund essential services such as schools, public
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Washington Township Trustees Meeting Recap
March 2, 2026 Last night I attended the Washington Township Trustees meeting. I left with mixed feelings — appreciation for civic recognition, but concern about meeting structure and public accessibility. An Overwhelming Agenda The published agenda packet totaled approximately 139 pages, while the formal agenda itself was only three pages long. (I printed the three-page
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Montgomery County Government Modernization:
Protecting Transparency & Continuity Modernization Means More Than New Software Montgomery County government modernization should go beyond updated systems inside one office. It should strengthen transparency, cybersecurity, and long-term continuity for every municipality that residents rely on. Across the county, cities and villages operate at very different scales. Larger communities often maintain dedicated IT departments,
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Property Tax Foreclosure:
How Does a $2,200 Tax Bill Cost Someone Their Home? Recently, during a U.S. Supreme Court argument, Justice Neil Gorsuch asked a pointed question in a foreclosure case: “How did that happen?” It’s a question every taxpayer should be asking. In the case before the Court, a homeowner allegedly owed approximately $2,200 related to a
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Montgomery County Property Taxes
Tammy Murphy Bringing the Conversation Full Circle Montgomery County property taxes affect every homeowner and community in our region. However, any conversation about tax increases should begin with an important question: Before raising property taxes, are we fully using the assets already within our community? That question opens the door to a broader discussion. Local
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Butler County Property Tax Relief:
When Leadership Reacts Instead of Leads Butler County property tax relief made headlines in September 2025 when county officials announced nearly $50 million in tax relief for residents. (view news announcement) The announcement acknowledged what many homeowners across Ohio were already experiencing: rising property values and rapidly increasing tax bills. Officials pointed to several factors
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Rethinking Property Tax Revenue:
How Dayton Can Increase Revenue Without Raising Property Taxes Rethinking property tax revenue starts with a simple question: can Dayton strengthen its tax base without increasing the burden on homeowners? Property tax discussions usually focus on millage rates. However, another approach deserves attention. Instead of raising taxes, local governments can increase revenue by improving how