Insights
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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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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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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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Florida House Approves Plan to Phase Out Property Taxes
What Can Ohio Learn? The Florida property tax phase out proposal is moving forward in the state legislature. The Florida House has approved a plan that could begin eliminating certain property taxes on homesteaded properties starting January 1, 2027 — if voters approve it. Read News Story Here The proposal is not final. Before it…
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When Ohio Government Officials Use Fear Tactics
Recently, a memorandum dated February 4, 2026, from the Ohio Office of Budget and Management was sent to Governor DeWine and municipal leaders warning that eliminating local property taxes would “catastrophically” defund schools, police, fire departments, and other essential services. This memo has sparked debate about Ohio government fear tactics and whether fiscal warnings are…
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What Happens to Schools if Property Tax is Eliminated?
This question comes up in almost every conversation about tax reform. More importantly, it deserves a serious and fact-based answer. Schools would not suddenly disappear. However, policymakers would need to change how they fund them. First, we need to understand how the current system works. Then we can evaluate what alternatives might look like. Start…
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Education & Learning More
Understanding Montgomery County Property Taxes Understanding Montgomery County property taxes should not feel overwhelming. However, many residents still struggle to make sense of how the system works. Property values, tax calculations, assessments, levies, and public records all influence the final tax bill. Unfortunately, government explanations often rely on technical language, which makes these topics harder…
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Local Government Works When Citizens Participate
Local government works when citizens participate. When residents stay informed, ask questions, and engage in community discussions, public systems become stronger and more transparent. The Montgomery County Auditor’s office touches nearly every resident in some way. Property owners, renters, businesses, and taxpayers all interact with systems that determine property values, public funding, and local services.…
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Service to the Auditor’s Office: Why Tammy Murphy Is Running
Tammy Murphy is running for Montgomery County Auditor because she believes this office should focus on service, transparency, and fairness for every resident. She explains: “I’m running because our property tax system is broken—and the consequences aren’t abstract. They show up in kitchen-table conversations, on fixed incomes stretched too thin, and in families who feel…
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Learn How the County Auditor Plays a Role in This Process
Montgomery County Auditor responsibilities are often misunderstood when residents try to make sense of property taxes. Property taxation involves many moving parts, and it can be difficult to know which office performs each role. The County Auditor serves as a central hub in this system, connecting property valuation, ownership records, and tax calculations into one…