November 3, 2026 Election

Oak Harbor Issue 11 Property Tax Reduction Proposal

This site explains Oak Harbor Issue 11, which will appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.

What is Issue 11?

A choice rooted in community feedback

When surveyed, residents asked the Village to maintain existing services while lowering property taxes and protecting seniors and residents on fixed incomes.

Issue 11 is one question with several linked changes to maintain village services while reducing property taxes and protecting seniors.

Issue 11 is one ballot question with several linked changes. It would reduce property taxes by terminating two existing property tax levies, create a new 0.5% income tax dedicated to police, sidewalks, and streets, create a 0.5% credit for residents who pay "city tax" to another community, and have the Village assume responsibility for sidewalk repair and replacement

A “For the Income Tax” vote approves these changes. An “Against the Income Tax” vote keeps things as they are today.

What does a “For the Income Tax” vote do?

Establishes a new one-half (0.5%) income tax to fund police, streets, and sidewalks

Provides a one-half (0.5%) credit— so residents paying “city tax” where they work owe no new taxes.

In service of protecting people on fixed incomes and reducing property taxes while maintaining existing services, a new income tax would be created.

Because Social Security, pension income and similar retirement income generally are not subject to municipal income tax, most retirees would not pay the new income tax on that income.

Provides a one-half (0.5%) credit— so residents paying “city tax” where they work owe no new taxes.

A new credit will be created so that residents who pay income tax on wages to another municipality like Toledo, Fremont, or Port Clinton will pay no additional income taxes on those wages.

Reduces property taxes by terminating two existing Village property tax levies.

By terminating the police and street/sidewalks levies, homeowners would save approximately $130 per $100,000 in home value. To maintain services, the funding will be replaced by the new income tax revenue.

Shifts the cost of sidewalk repair from homeowners to the Village

With a modest increase in revenue, the Village will take on the repair and replacement of public sidewalks. Currently, the burden of sidewalk repairs fall on residents and can become unexpected expenses, especially for residents on fixed incomes.

Learn more by reviewing the FAQs below

The answer to many common questions are below. If you don't find the answer you are looking, please reach out to Mayor Quinton Babcock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question? Please reach out to Mayor Quinton Babcock at qbabcock@oakharbor.oh.us.

How much will I save in property taxes?

For the owner of a $100,000 home, property taxes will be reduced by $129.

How will police, streets, and sidewalks be funded?

Issue 11 would eliminate two existing property tax levies in Oak Harbor. One for police services that generates $135,000 per year and another for streets and sidewalks that generates $150,000 per year. This funding will be replaced by the new funding from the income tax, which is anticipated to generate $320,000 in its first year.

How much of an income tax increase would this be?

Issue 11 would create a one-half percent (0.5%) income tax increase on taxable income solely dedicated for police, streets, and sidewalks. The tax increase would be offset by an income tax credit for people who already pay income taxes to a municipality other than Oak Harbor. In other words, if you already pay income taxes to another municipality (e.g. Genoa, Elmore, Toledo), you will pay no additional taxes to the Village of Oak Harbor. Retirement income, such as social security and pensions are not taxable income so this income also does not pay taxes.

I already pay taxes to another community (e.g. Toledo, Fremont). Does this mean I would pay more income tax?

No. Issue 11 would create a one-half (0.5%) credit that applies to anyone that already pays taxes to other communities. For example, someone working in Fremont and paying Fremont's income tax on their wages would not owe any additional income tax to the Village as a result of Issue 11.

I am retired. Would I pay any income taxes?

Most retirees would not pay any income taxes, because retirement income is generally not taxable. Income that does NOT get taxed includes social security, pension payments, and typical IRA distributions. For a more comprehensive list, you can visit RITA's website.

What will the income tax revenue be spent on?

By law, the new income tax funds will be dedicated to funding police services and streets/sidewalks improvements. The purpose of these dollars is to replace the two property tax levies that will be terminated if Issue 11 passes. The Village is audited by the state government on an annual basis to ensure funds from all sources are used appropriately. m.

November 3, 2026 Election

Oak Harbor Issue 11 Property Tax Reduction Proposal

What is Issue 11?

A choice rooted in community feedback

Issue 11 is one question with several linked changes to maintain village services while reducing property taxes and protecting seniors.

Why is Issue 11 being proposed?

Issue 11 would reduce Village property taxes, help protect seniors, and maintain Village services.

What does a “For the Income Tax” vote do?

Establishes a new one-half (0.5%) income tax to fund police, streets, and sidewalks

Provides a one-half (0.5%) credit— so residents paying “city tax” where they work owe no new taxes.

Provides a one-half (0.5%) credit— so residents paying “city tax” where they work owe no new taxes.

Provides a one-half (0.5%) credit— so residents paying “city tax” where they work owe no new taxes.

Reduces property taxes by terminating two existing Village property tax levies.

Shifts the cost of sidewalk repair from homeowners to the Village

Learn more by reviewing the FAQs below

Learn more by reviewing the FAQs below

Frequently Asked Questions