OPINION/COLUMN
Property taxes are one of the most important taxes for our local communities, carrying far more weight than many realize. I’ve heard from many of you who are concerned about property taxes. It’s a common question: can the Legislature lower or change them? I want to take some time to explain how property taxes work in Oklahoma and who is responsible for setting them. My hope is that this clears up some confusion and helps you feel more confident about where your tax dollars go.
Property taxes have been part of our state’s system since Oklahoma became a state. They play a very important role in funding services that local communities all rely on every day. The largest portion goes to our local public schools, followed by vocational-technical schools, county and city government, libraries and health departments. These services are all close to home, and property taxes are the backbone of their budgets.
Many people are surprised to learn that lawmakers at the Capitol don’t actually set property tax rates. In fact, these rates are either outlined in the Oklahoma Constitution or voted on directly by the people of each municipality. That means bond issues, school funding decisions and other local measures have a much bigger impact on your property tax bill than anything passed by the Legislature.
Take Cleveland County as an example. There are more than 30 different property tax rates, called millage levies, depending on where you live. They vary based on your school district, city limits and technology school district. In Cleveland County, rates range from about $70 to $120 per thousand dollars of assessed value. That’s why two homes with the same value might have different tax bills if they’re in different districts.
Here’s an easy way to think about it. Take the value of your home, apply the 12% assessment rate, subtract any exemptions like the homestead exemption, and then multiply by your local tax rate. So, for a $60,000 home in Cleveland County with a homestead exemption and a $100 rate per thousand, the tax bill would be about $620.
The calculations can seem complicated, but the main point is that the county assessor does not set the rates. In most cases, it’s the people, like you, who have the power to change property taxes, and you do that by voting.
I know taxes are never a fun topic, and I will always advocate for lower to no taxes, but I believe it’s important to be clear about how they work.
Property taxes are a local issue, and the decisions made in our communities matter most when it comes to your bill. That’s why I always encourage you to stay engaged in local elections, especially school bond votes. Your voice truly shapes the future of our community.
As always, I am here to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. My email address is cynthia. roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at 405-557-7365.
I am praying for you and your family every day. Thank you for reaching out and staying involved. Together, we can make sure District 42 continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, represents House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.
