By Rev. Donald L. Perryman, Ph.D.
The Truth Contributor
Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.
– Bruce Lee
Lucas County’s property tax crisis threatens to devolve into “a blame game instead of a change game” as residents begin rapidly losing trust amid finger-pointing within and calls for investigation from across the political aisle.
It was announced way back in September 2024 that assessed Lucas County property taxes had increased by 29.5 percent due to potential calculations. Still, no officials submitted changes or corrections to the State of Ohio.
Now, what officials have characterized as a “minor glitch” in routine property tax revaluations has erupted into a full-scale credibility crisis for county leadership as public outrage affecting 1,200 or more properties boils over from seething homeowners blindsided by unexpected tax increases.
As “clobbered” citizens demand answers and relief beyond the current “Oops, we made a mistake,” county officials are scrambling to clean up the mess and contain the fallout from a slow and poorly communicated response process, that is now under intense scrutiny.
Even more concerning is that the timing couldn’t be worse.
Though now paused, the recent announcement of tariffs added to the rising cost of essential goods like eggs, and the uncertainty surrounding migrant labor and increased deportations has made taxpayers nervous, jumpy, and sensitive to any policy decisions they fear will adversely shape their financial security. A sudden spike in taxes is the last thing families and businesses need.
We know that county officials’ response has been slow, disorganized, and defensive. When people demanded answers, they got vague explanations and bureaucratic excuses. Desperate property owners requested immediate action and transparency but received further delays, finger-pointing, and outright misinformation. Even now, as the county scrambles to hire an outside entity to review the process, it feels like mere damage control to many.
Yet, despite this unfolding disaster, there is a way forward—but only if Lucas County’s leaders take bold, decisive, and immediate action to restore public confidence to a distraught Lucas County citizenry and ensure this never happens again.
Here’s what needs to happen:
- De-politicize the property crisis with bi-partisan long-term solutions
- Emergency Relief for Overburdened Homeowners & Businesses
- Fast-track property tax appeals with no red tape – a simple, transparent process for affected homeowners.
- Temporary tax freezes or phased-in adjustments to soften the financial blow.
- Independent audit results MUST be public, not just internal reports hidden from residents.
- Regular town halls throughout Lucas County, including central city wards, and Q&A sessions with county officials to address concerns directly.
- County leadership must take responsibility – not just make excuses.
- Fix the property valuation system for good, ensuring it’s fair, consistent, and not politically manipulated.
- Prevent Lucas County residents and businesses from being blindsided by future tax hikes—implement predictable, phased-in increases that property owners can plan around.
If officials are willing to face the problem honestly, there is still an opportunity to restore trust and find a fair resolution.
The public outrage in Lucas County isn’t just about the property tax increase—it’s about the failure to own up to mistakes and take swift, corrective action.
Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, PhD, at drdlperryman@enterofhopebaptist.org