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SB 307

Allow tax increment financing for police, firefighting facilities

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jane Timken

Ohio bill expands tax increment financing to fund police and fire facilities by redirecting property tax revenue growth in designated districts.

Referred to committee
#housingandrealproperty #publicsafety #taxation
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Bill Summary · SB 307

Legislative bill overview

SB 307 would expand Ohio's tax increment financing (TIF) program to include police and firefighting facilities as eligible projects. Currently, TIF districts primarily support economic development and redevelopment projects in blighted areas. This bill would allow municipalities to capture property tax increases within designated districts to fund public safety infrastructure.

Why is this important

Public safety facilities like police stations and fire departments require significant capital investment, and TIF could provide an alternative funding mechanism without raising taxes or seeking voter approval for bonds. However, this redirects tax revenue that would normally go to schools, counties, and other entities, making it a consequential policy choice about how communities fund essential services.

Potential points of contention

  • School funding impact: TIF diverts property tax revenue from school districts, which receive substantial funding from property taxes; the fiscal impact on education budgets could be significant
  • Scope creep concerns: Expanding TIF beyond traditional economic development projects may reduce the tool's effectiveness for its original purpose and set precedent for further expansions
  • Accountability and oversight: Critics may question whether public safety projects receive adequate scrutiny compared to private development projects typically funded through TIF districts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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