This holiday season, all too many Franklin County residents might worry that the cost of living in their homes has become untenable as their home values – and their taxes – rise. That’s especially true in our county, which has one of the hottest real estate markets in the nation.

To help address the problem, earlier this month I joined with Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, State Sen. Hearcel Craig and Near East Area Commissioner Lela Boykin to unveil legislation that would prevent large spikes in property taxes that can lead to housing instability.

The proposed bill would cap property tax increases for owner-occupied homes at 3 percent per year, preventing sudden surges in taxes. The state would reimburse any taxes that were lost because of the cap, ensuring that local governments and schools don’t lose funding.

Had the bill been in effect in 2018, more than 60,000 Franklin County homeowners would have been shielded from large increases in their taxes. There were more than 4,300 foreclosures in the county over the last three years.

Nationally, 34 states have similar laws that protect homeowners from large tax increases.

This new legislation is a sensible solution that will help homeowners by making their annual property tax burden more predictable and affordable.

My objective continues to be helping residents remain in their homes and making Franklin County the very best place to live and work. In this month of festive celebration, that’s a great goal to aspire to. Happy Holidays Everyone!

As always, if you have suggestions, or if I can be of service, I encourage you to contact me at (614) 525-5700, or at AuditorStinziano@franklincountyohio.gov.  

New Auditor’s Office App Released

Auditor Stinziano unveiled a new, revamped mobile app this month that introduces innovative new search options and expands the accessibility of the office’s services.

The updated app, which has been rebuilt with new services including the ability to use your current location to find nearby properties, is available for iOS and for Android on the respective App stores.

“The app is bringing the Auditor’s office into the 21^st century with new ways to use our services that expands accessibility to all of Franklin County residents – even on the go,” Stinziano said.

The app allows users to easily research Franklin County properties based on address, owner, parcel, or interactively on a map. The app can retrieve information about properties including property values, transfer histories, taxes, and photos.

The revamped app is the result of months of feedback from a panel of residents, who guided its development.

The Auditor’s office app is free and is available now on the iOS and Android app stores.

Fraud alert: Dog Licenses can only be sold by the Auditor’s office

The Auditor’s office issued a fraud alert earlier this month after discovering an international website was selling fake dog licenses to residents of Ohio and three other states. 

The office reminds county residents that there is only one place to buy dog licenses, by state law: The Franklin County Auditor’s office. Licenses sold by the Auditor’s office arrive in physical form and can only be purchased at doglicense.franklincountyohio.gov.

With the recent kickoff of the dog license renewal period, the Auditor’s office wants to ensure that dog owners are getting their legally-required dog licenses. If anyone thinks they have been defrauded by a fake dog license website or has any questions, please contact the Auditor’s office at 614-525-HOME (4663) or at AuditorStinziano@franklincountyohio.gov.

The Auditor’s office will be hosting multiple mobile dog license locations across the county through March 31, 2020, when the expanded renewal period ends. “Franklin County residents will have many opportunities in the community to license their dog. Making licensing easier is part of my commitment to accessibility and accountability," Stinziano said.

December True Transaction Award

Accra African International Market won the December True Transactions Award for its excellent record of using accurate scales and scanners in its sales.

“I commend the Accra African International Market team for their record of using accurate scales and scanners in selling their high-quality International fare,” Stinziano said. “Accra ensures that its customers are getting exactly what they pay for, a sign of a great local business.” 

Accra African International Market is located on Cleveland Avenue in Minerva Park and serves central Ohio and its immigrant community with quality African foods and beverages.  

Public Hearings Announced Regarding  E-filing, Updated Transfer Standards

The Auditor’s office in conjunction with the Franklin County Engineer’s office will hold two public meetings to get input about new proposed standards that will allow e-filing of some transfer and conveyance documents. The new standards will also streamline and update the language to make them more understandable. 

The hearings will be held Dec. 27 and Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin County Board of Revision, Hearing Room B, 373 S. High St., 20^th Floor, in Columbus.

Members of the public are invited to attend and provide feedback on the proposed standards.  

Me & My Pal Winners Announced

The winners of the 2019 Me & My Pal drawing contest were recognized by Auditor Stinziano at an event this month at the Franklin County Dog Shelter that coincided with the opening week of the dog licensing renewal period.

The contest for K-6th grade students promotes responsible pet ownership and the advantages of properly licensing dogs. 

Winners received an award certificate, a commemorative photo taken with the Auditor, and will have their artwork featured in an all-new Me & My Pal Calendar.  

In addition, the overall winner received a free 2020 dog license and will have their drawing used in promotional materials and on Auditor’s office social media.