Cincinnati Property Taxes to Jump to Close $45 Million Budget Gap

Cincinnati homeowners will see their property tax bills rise after the City Council approved the 2026 budget, which includes a 5.7 percent tax increase. The council voted 7-2 on February 19, 2026, to approve the budget in an effort to address a projected $45 million deficit. The $1.2 billion budget is up three percent from 2025, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Increased revenue is needed because of rising pension costs and declining sales tax revenue. The approved budget aims to close the