Cincinnati Voters Approve School Levy While Miamisburg Rejects Tax
Cincinnati voters approved a property tax levy for public schools, while Miamisburg voters rejected an income tax measure, forcing local budget cuts.
Voters in Southwest Ohio delivered split decisions on school funding measures during the November 3, 2026, election. In Cincinnati, voters approved a 7-mill, five-year property tax levy for Cincinnati Public Schools that is expected to generate $66.33 million annually starting in 2027. The funds will address a projected $44 million budget deficit identified by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and support the district's Strategic Plan, including facility maintenance and extracurricular activities.
Conversely, voters in Miamisburg rejected Issue 5, a proposed 0.5% continuing income tax levy for the Miamisburg City School District. Unofficial results show 67% of voters opposed the measure, which would have raised approximately $7 million annually. In response to the defeat, the Miamisburg district plans to reduce expenses by more than $3 million this year, primarily through attrition and retirement replacements.
While Cincinnati and the Lakota Local School District saw successful measures, other regional proposals for Fairfield and Franklin Schools were also rejected. Cincinnati officials noted the approval follows a period of austerity that included furlough days and the cutting of over 100 positions to close a previous $58 million gap.
