Earlier this month, the Commonwealth of Virginia became the 38^th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, thus achieving the constitutionally-required threshold that ¾ of the states in the union approve a constitutional amendment. Finally, the promise of equality for all, regardless of gender, can be enshrined in the US Constitution and the women of our nation can be guaranteed equality. 

For me, it is part of a proud family legacy: it was more than 40 years ago when my father, a then-freshman state Rep. Michael Stinziano Sr., introduced the very first bill of his career: the ratification of the ERA. It was 1974. Ohio became the 33^rd state to ratify the amendment that year.   

The ERA ratification is a momentous accomplishment that should have happened years ago, and it helps guarantee something that should be fundamental to our democracy: everyone is equal, and should be treated that way.

Equal pay for equal work. Equal before the law. Equal opportunities. The implications are endless. 

I congratulate Virginia on ratifying the ERA and finishing what my father helped begin, and I urge Congress to implement the amendment. America’s women deserve to be considered equals in our country and in life, and to have that right guaranteed in our constitution.

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.  

Affordable Housing Fair

The Auditor’s office hosted an Affordable Housing Fair Jan. 22 in the Milo Grogan neighborhood that drew residents from across the county.

It brought together resources and help for residents seeking affordable housing and those who want to remain in their current homes. Among the topics addressed were home repair and maintenance, information for first-time homebuyers, down payment assistance program information, appliance repair or replacement programs, senior assistance programs, winterization programs, and help with utilities.

Participating organizations and agencies included the Franklin County Treasurer’s office, Habitat for Humanity, Homeport, the Columbus Board of Realtors, Huckleberry House, the Franklin County Recorder’s office, Ohio Housing Finance Authority, Columbus Mediation Services of Central Ohio, the Columbus Fire Division, Milo Grogan Area Commission, Homes on the Hill CDC, and Buckeye Health Plan.  

Auditor Stinziano plans to hold several more affordable housing fairs at locations across the county to continue to help residents find housing that they can afford.

Board of Revision Community Events

The Auditor’s office and the Board of Revision will be holding more than 25 mobile events at locations across the county for owners who want to challenge their property values or buy dog licenses.

At the mobile events, residents can get help filing out complaint forms, purchase dog licenses, or get any questions about the BOR challenge process answered. The events be held through March 31, which is the deadline to file a complaint by Ohio law and also the deadline to purchase a dog license without penalty.

Mobile events will be held on the following dates and locations in the month of February:

• Feb 1, from 9:30 am to 1 pm: Northside Library, 1423 N. High St.
• Feb. 3, from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm: Karl Rd. Library, 5590 Karl Rd.
• Feb. 6, from 11 am to 3 pm: Driving Park Library, 1422 E. Livingston Ave.
• Feb. 10, from noon to 4 pm: Prairie Twp Community Center, 5955 W. Broad St.
• Feb. 11, from noon to 4 pm: Groveport/Southeast Branch Library, 3980 S. Hamilton Rd.
• Feb. 12, from 2 pm to 6 pm: Hilltop Library, 511 S. Hague Ave.
• Feb. 19 , from 2 pm to 6 pm: Westland Library, 4740 W. Broad St.
• Feb. 20, from 1 pm to 5 pm: Whetstone Library, 3909 N. High St.
• Feb. 26, from 1 pm to 4:30 pm: Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St.
• Feb. 27, from 2 pm to 6 pm: Hilliard Library, 4500 Hickory Chase Way
• Feb. 28, from 9 am to noon: Gahanna Library, 310 Granville St.
• Feb. 28, from 2 pm to 5 pm: New Albany Library, 200 Market St.
• Feb. 29, from 9:30 am to 1 pm: Worthington NW Library, 2280 Hard Rd.

2019 Year End Review

The Auditor’s office has released the 2019 Sales Year End Review, summarizing the past year’s property sales activity in neighborhoods across Franklin County.

The report features GIS mapping that lays out housing trends in the county and can be localized down to municipalities, area commissions, townships and school districts. It includes:

• The most recent month’s residential sales total for Franklin County and more than 80 municipalities, area commissions, school districts and townships.
• The median sales price for homes in each area broken down by month.
• The number of sales in each area broken down by month.
• An interactive map that shows each property sold, with popup information that shows a photo and information on the property.

The review confirms that the Columbus residential and commercial real estate market continues to be one of the hottest in the country. In a positive sign, the number of sales increased from 2018 to 2019 after a dip in transaction volume growth from 2017 to 2018.  

Both the median real estate sales price and the total sales dollars increased in the past year as well. However, the review found that both of those measures increased at a lower rate than they did in 2018. 

The Year End Review is part of the Real Estate Sales Dashboard, which is updated monthly on the Auditor’s office website.

Dog License Reminder & Events

The Auditor’s office continues to sell dog license renewals at a brisk pace ahead of the March 31 renewal deadline.

This year for the first time the dog license renewal period has been extended two months with the goal of increasing dog licensing in Franklin County.

“The Auditor’s office wants to promote responsible pet ownership and help ensure that if an owner’s dog is ever lost, they can be quickly reunited using their license information," Auditor Stinziano said.

Earlier this month, the Auditor’s office released a calendar that featured the drawings of winners of the 2019 Me & My Pal contest, which sought to promote the importance of dog licensing. Calendars can be requested by contacting the office at 614-525-HOME (4663).  

Residents can purchase dog licenses online at doglicense.franklincountyohio.gov, by visiting the Auditor’s office at 373 S. High St., 21^st Floor, or by calling the Auditor’s office at 614-525-3260.

They can also be purchased at mobile events that are being held across the county, including: Friday, January 31 in partnership with Franklin County Public Health.They are also available at Board of Revision mobile events over the next two months. 

Levy Estimator Update

With the March Primary election a little more than a month away, the Auditor’s office Levy Estimator application has been updated with information to allow homeowners to see how issues on their ballot will affect their taxes. 

Levies and bond issues are on the ballot across Franklin County, including townships, fire and police departments, libraries, and a community college. 

“As the former Director of the Board of Elections, I encourage everyone to be informed and know how ballot issues will affect you and your pocketbook,” Stinziano said.

To use the Levy Estimator, a homeowner just enters their address or parcel number and the estimator will calculate both the current costs of levies and the estimated costs of proposed levies and ballot issues.

The Levy Estimator can be found at apps.franklincountyauditor.com/LevyEstimator.

January True Transactions Award

Fashion City in Whitehall won the January True Transactions Award for its excellent record of using accurate scales and scanners in its sales.

“I congratulate Fashion City for their superb record of using precise scales and scanners in selling their high-quality clothing and wares,” Stinziano said. “Fashion City ensures that its customers are getting everything they paid for, a trait of a great local business.” 

Fashion City’s Whitehall location is in the Town & Country Shopping Center, 3904 E. Broad St.