14.12 How Counties, Cities, Villages & Townships Generate Revenue

Local governments in Ohio need money to provide services like public safety, road maintenance, parks, and waste collection. Counties, cities, villages, and townships raise this money—known as revenue—from several main sources.

Property Tax

A property tax is collected by local governments—such as counties, cities, villages, and school districts—based on the assessed value of land and buildings. Property taxes are a major source of funding for schools, safety services, and local infrastructure. In most communities, this is the single largest source of local revenue.

Sales Tax

A sales tax is added to the price of goods and certain services at the time of purchase. In Ohio, both the state and counties collect sales taxes to raise revenue for government operations and public programs. When you buy something at a store, part of the total you pay goes to support county and state government services.

Income Tax

An income tax is a tax on the money people earn from wages, salaries, or other sources of income. Not every local government collects this tax in Ohio, but in cities and villages that do, it provides an important stream of revenue for general operations.

Other Sources of Revenue

Counties, cities, villages, and townships also receive money from the state and federal governments through grants and shared revenues. These funds often support roads, social services, and other programs that benefit local residents.

Local governments can also collect fees for services—such as water, sewer, and waste collection—as well as fines for traffic violations or other infractions.

Together, these sources allow Ohio’s local governments to maintain public services and invest in future development.