Commissioner Sherman Updates Kenton Rotary on Vancrest Project and Property Tax Reform

Rotarian Brian Watkins asked Hardin County Commissioner Joe Sherman to share updates from the Commissioner’s office.

Mr. Sherman update the club with a few of the many items on the minds and desks of the Hardin County Commissioners.  Joe shared that Vancrest has broken ground across the street, on Wildcat Way, from the Kenton City School buildings.   It will be 64-bed nursing and residential care facility with the projected opening in spring of 2027. 

Commissioner Sherman also noted that it is budget season so many of the meeting are revolving around and involving the budget and budget process. 

The major topic of the update centered on the property tax issue. 

A grassroots effort to place a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would abolish property taxes entirely is in the works. Opponents of the constitutional amendment warn it would devastate funding for essential local services like schools, police, and fire departments. No one would pick up the phone when called upon for service. 

As it stands, the money would just go away.  Proponents of the legislation claim it will provide significant tax relief, but offer no other plan to replace the revenue generated by property taxes.  Ohio lawmakers have passed multiple bills in October 2025 to curb property tax increases. A key piece of legislation, House Bill 186 curbing “outside millage”.

Similarly, House Bill 335 addresses “inside millage,” empowering county budget commissions to adjust rates to prevent revenue growth from exceeding inflation. Another bill, House Bill 129, alters a tax reduction formula to allow for greater reductions.

The recently passed bills now await approval from the Ohio Senate before potentially becoming law.

Joe fielded many question from the Rotarians before providing a positive outlook for the county.  Hardin County is still a great place to live.

Submitted by Sam Norris