Erie County to vote Monday on expanding Homestead tax credit

Change would reduce property taxes for seniors on fixed incomes by about $2.3 million

SANDUSKY — Erie County commissioners are expected to decide Monday (Oct. 27) whether to expand the Homestead property tax exemption and owner-occupancy credit, potentially providing significant savings for thousands of older homeowners on fixed income.

Under a new state law, House Bill 96, county commissions can “piggyback” additional local credits on top of existing state property tax relief programs. Erie County Treasurer Caleb Stidham said if adopted, the changes could provide up to $1,000 in tax savings per qualifying homeowner and affect 4,000–5,500 properties countywide.

“If you’re over 65 and make under $40,000 a year, your home’s taxable value could be reduced by about $58,000 — roughly $1,000 off your tax bill,” Stidham explained.