Memorial Day is upon us, and as the pandemic sends us to the new normal I hope you will join me in solemnly honoring the enormous sacrifices made by those who given the ultimate sacrifice defending our country and our values.

Social distancing, virtual meetings and working from home are becoming a new norm, and new ways will be created to honor the courage and selflessness shown by our service members who fought hard to protect us for more than two centuries. I hope to celebrate their legacy by continuing to work to make our community the best place to live and work and do business.

We continue to work with Franklin County commissioners and other county officeholders on how the office serves you in a way that is safe. In the meantime, members of the office continue to hold virtual meetings and conduct business by mail, drop boxes or via the Internet. An example of the new normal are the weekly Community Hours meetings, which are now held virtually. It’s a new, engaging way to continue hearing from residents about the issues that matter to them, and it ensures everyone’s safety. It’s part of that new normal. This past month Community Hours have been held featuring several local small businesses, who need our support as they too adjust to new circumstances.

Another part of the new normal is changed deadlines. Already this has affected the Auditor’s office, as we look to be flexible for our residents during the public health emergency and have extended the deadline dog licenses to June 30. I have also worked with the Treasurer’s office for the extension of the deadline for property taxes to Aug. 5.

Despite the pandemic, our community continues to have tackle the many important issues before us, from protecting our front-line health care professionals and supporting our hospital systems to addressing the lack of affordable housing. I want to make sure everyone can take part in the American dream that our veterans fought valiantly to protect.

Stay healthy, and let’s celebrate this Memorial holiday weekend by reflecting the universal values that our service men and women fought for.

Happy Memorial Day!  

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

Property Tax Relief Available for Properties Damaged by Storms

Recent storms have caused damage to some properties throughout our community, and your Franklin County Auditor’s office can be a resource to help affected property owners get property tax relief.

Ohio law gives County Auditors the authority to reduce real estate values for properties that have been damaged or destroyed by storms. A substantial reduction in property value could result in lower real estate taxes for the property until it has been restored to its prior condition or value. Property value reductions can be applied to real property, including manufactured homes.  

For more information and the Real Property Value Reduction form (DTE 26), visit the Auditor's office website at www.franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/tax-reduction-programs/damaged-destroyed-form.

Property Tax Assistance Program available for Seniors

The Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) is accepting applications from qualifying elderly homeowners who need help paying their property taxes. 

The program provides emergency one-time property tax assistance to low-income homeowners age 60 or older, and is a nonprofit entity funded solely through donations. The Auditor’s office has administered the program since November.

“This is one more step to helping seniors age in place, which has been a priority of mine throughout my time in office,” Auditor Stinziano said.PTAP applications are reviewed by a Board consisting of the Franklin County Auditor, Franklin County Treasurer, Franklin County Office on Aging, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, Concord Counseling, Clintonville CRC, Columbus Catholic Social Services, Syntero, and St. Stephens Community House.

Applications are due by May 30. Information about the program and an application can be found on the Auditor’s office website.

PTAP was founded in 1987 and has supported hundreds of qualifying homeowners in Franklin County.

Rental Registration Process Updated to Provide More Security

 Online rental registrations now require a verified email address that will enhance the security and accuracy of the information.

The enhancement is part of Auditor Stinziano’s continuing efforts to modernize the Auditor’s office and will add a layer of security for the rental registration portal. It will also provide more accurate information and help prevent fraudulent registrations. Ohio law requires properties that are rentals be registered with the county auditor’s office. 

To register online, registrants can visit www.franklincountyauditor.com/consumer/rental-registration. Once on the webpage, they create an account using their email address. As part of the process, the Auditor’s office then sends an email to registrants with a link they can click on to verify their email address. The verification code included with the email can also be entered manually.

The new verified email requirement applies to both existing and new users of the online rental registration portal. Any registrant with questions can contact the Auditor’s office at 614-525-HOME (4663) or auditorstinziano@franklincountyohio.gov. 

May True Transactions Award goes to Strader’s Garden Center

Auditor Stinziano awarded family-owned Strader’s Garden Center the May 2020 True Transactions Award for its excellent record of using accurate scales and scanners at its garden centers.

“As spring brings out gardeners ready to enjoy the outdoors, I congratulate the Strader’s Garden Center team for using accurate scales and scanners in selling their plants and garden supplies,” Stinziano said. “Strader’s ensures gardeners are getting everything they pay for, a trademark of a great business.”

For more than 60 years Strader’s has provided Franklin County gardeners with outstanding customer service and high-quality plants, gardening and landscaping supplies. Strader’s has six locations across Franklin County, including a Grove City location that is inspected by Auditor’s office Weights and Measures staff.

Virtual Community Hours

Auditor Stinziano continues to hold weekly virtual Community Hours on his facebook page, where residents can tell him their ideas, questions and concerns. To help support our local small businesses, this month the meetings are being held in conjunction with bakeries and cafes that normally would have hosted his Community Hours meetings. The meetings will also feature special guests. Community Hours will be held virtually at the following dates and with these businesses:

Thursday, May 28th at 1:00pm highlighting Daylight Donuts in Hilliard

Wednesday, June 3rd at 12:00pm highlighting Nothing Bundt Cakes in Columbus

Tuesday, June 9th at 9:30am highlighting Dragon Donuts in Grove City

Tuesday, June 16th 9:30am highlighting La Chatelaine Bakery & Bistro in Worthington

Thursday, June 25th 3:00pm highlighting Smallcakes Cupcakery in Gahanna