As we approach the end of August and the beginning of school, virtually, hybrid or in-person, your Franklin County Auditor’s office is hard at work conducting the Triennial Update that will adjust home values across the county to reflect the current real estate market. As part of these efforts, this past week the office sent out tentative value letters to all property owners.

Franklin County has been one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, a fact that will be reflected in most cases by increased tentative home values. That’s a good thing - it means that one of your biggest investments has increased in value.

However, if you disagree with the tentative value the Auditor’s office has determined, there will be multiple opportunities for your feedback.

The Informal Value Review meetings that will be held next month offer Franklin County residents and businesses the opportunity to discuss your home value with our appraisers and tell us why you think the value should be different.

This year, the pandemic has led us to innovate with the Informal Review Process. The Auditor’s office is emphasizing virtual online reviews that can be done from the comfort of your home. There will still be in-person reviews should that be your preference, at three satellite locations in Columbus, Hilliard and Reynoldsburg. 

Scheduling a virtual or in-person meeting can be done on a new website we have launched, your2020homevalue.org, where you will find an informational video on the process, more information, important dates, and a frequently-asked questions section.

For residents, the Informal review meetings last about 15-20 minutes. After it’s over, Auditor’s appraisers will review the information you just shared to see if a change should be made. A letter with your final value will be mailed to you in December.

If, after the informal process you still disagree with the property value we have determined, you may file a challenge with the Franklin County Board of Revision by March 31, 2021.

It is my goal is to ensure property owners are a part of this important, state-mandated process. If you have any questions about your tentative home value, please contact the Auditor’s office at auditorstinziano@franklincountyohio.gov, or call us at (614) 525-HOME.     

Data Center Wins Awards in Innovation

The Franklin County Data Center (FCDC) has been named winner of three PTI Solutions Awards for its outstanding customer service, data analytics, and cyber security.

The awards, from the Public Technology Institute, recognize the Data Center’s work to deploy modern, 21^st century technology to address the needs of the myriad of county government agencies that use FCDC services.  

The awards from the institute recognize FCDC for: COVID-19 Rapid Response/Excellent Customer Service (External and/or Internal); Identity Federation and Management/Cybersecurity (awareness, planning, breach protocol, practices); and Collaboration Leads to Modern Data Analytics and Data Visualization/Data and Performance Metrics.

Auditor Stinziano is the statutory secretary for the Data Center. The Franklin County Data Center is led by Chief Information Officer Adam Frumkin.

Dog Licensing Online System to be Upgraded

The Franklin County Auditor’s office is upgrading its online dog license system to create an intuitive one-stop shop for residents to license their dogs.

The upgrade, which should be completed by December when the 2021 license renewal season begins, will include new options for owners and a more user-friendly system. Residents will be able to check their dog’s license status, notify the office when their pet has died, and complete other tasks that previously had to be done manually.

The ultimate goal is to increase the rate of dog licensing in the county, said Auditor Stinziano.

Though public counters remain closed because of the public health crisis, dog licenses can always be purchased online at doglicense.franklincountyohio.gov. In addition to being required by state law, dog licensing ensures that any lost dog is returned quickly to their owners. The license also ensures that a dog has received a rabies vaccine, which is required in Franklin County.

Mobile Office Makes its Debut

Auditor Stinziano is bringing the office out into the community with the debut of the new Mobile Office.

The vehicle will visit neighborhoods across the county and attend events, offering Auditor’s office services like dog licensing, information on community resources, homestead exemption applications and other real estate services. The Mobile office is part of a continuing effort to make the Auditor’s office accessible to everyone in our community.

August True Transactions Award

Learning Express Toys in Worthington has been named the August True Transactions Award winner for its sterling record of using accurate scales and scanners in its sales of innovative toys.

“I want to congratulate Learning Express Toys on their outstanding record of using accurate scales and scanners in selling toys that are fun and develop the mind. Learning Express Toys staff in Worthington ensure customers get everything they pay for, a trait of a great business.” Stinziano said.

Learning Express Toys has 100 stores in 27 states, including three in central Ohio in Upper Arlington, New Albany and Worthington.  The stores feature toys that are fun and help develop curious minds, strong bodies and social skills.  

Community Hours

Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano continues to hold weekly Community Hours meetings where residents can share firsthand their feedback and ideas about the auditor’s office or any concerns they have.

The meetings continue a practice Stinziano has done since he was first elected to office. Community Hours will be held ~virtually~ and streamed on facebook @mstinziano at the dates and locations listed below. 

Thursday, September 3rd, 10:00am

Wednesday, September 9th, 10:30am 

Tuesday, September 15th 2:00pm

Wednesday, September 23rd 11:00am