April has brought Spring showers and also a dash of snow, but also this reality: Home prices are only going up in Franklin County. While that is a good thing, it can have the unintended effect of making it challenging for some homeowners who are on fixed incomes to afford large property tax increases, especially during the ongoing pandemic.
This past month, I joined state Sen. Hearcel Craig for the second year in a row in proposing legislation that would cap annual property tax increases that can price residents out of their homes. Our new bill would cap property tax increases at 5 percent annually. It would also add an income eligibility requirement, so that the bill is specifically helping those who need it the most.
Like last year’s proposed legislation, the state would reimburse school districts and municipalities for any lost tax revenue. Nationally, 34 states already have similar laws to protect their homeowners.
Addressing the problem of wild swings in property taxes deserves a permanent, legislative solution. It’s common-sense legislation that will protect homeowners, and once again I urge the legislature to pass the bill into law.
A home is often a person’s biggest investment. It’s where families are built and lives enriched. It determines what schools your kids attend, the food you can buy, and even your family’s overall health. That’s why we can accept nothing less than full housing equality for all the residents of Franklin County - which means residents can afford to stay in their homes. This legislation is a good first step towards addressing the issue for an estimated 260,000 Franklin County households.
As always, if you have suggestions, I encourage you to contact me at (614) 525-5700, or at AuditorStinziano@franklincountyohio.gov.
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Auditor Celebrates National Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Day
National Adopt A Shelter Pet day is April 30, and Auditor Stinziano celebrated the day with a WSYX Channel 6 phone bank featuring several dogs looking for their forever homes. Meet Buttercup, currently available for adoption!
The Auditor’s office is reminding new dog owners that the deadline to purchase or renew dog licenses has been extended through July 1, allowing more time to purchase or renew a license without penalty. Licenses can be purchased through an updated dog licensing website which features expanded online services, including the ability to update addresses and a dog’s status.
The Auditor’s office has expanded the locations where owners can purchase or renew a license, including at socially-distanced mobile events across Franklin County via our mobile office.
In addition to being required by state law, dog licensing ensures that any lost dog is returned quickly to their owners. Most funds generated from dog licensing support the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center.
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Property Owners will be able to file with Board of Revision for COVID-related value decreases
A new state law will allow the Franklin County Board of Revision to accept complaints from business property owners and other owners who feel their property value has been directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Property owners who have already filed a standard complaint to the board are permitted to file an additional complaint during a special filing period from July 27 to August 26 regarding COVID-related property value changes.
The new legislation, signed by the governor April 27, had been sought by Auditor Stinziano to help businesses that have suffered losses caused by the pandemic. Specifics of the process are still being finalized.
Auditor’s office to host virtual event for COSI Science Festival
COSI’s Science Festival is May 5-8, and the Auditor’s office will be hosting a virtual event as part of the festival where students can learn about some of the science used to keep our canine friends healthy. The Auditor’s office event, to be held May 7 from noon-1 pm via facebook live, will showcase how the office certifies scales to weigh pets and issues dog licenses to keep them safe.
COSI’s Science Festival is Ohio’s largest annual science event and features dozens of virtual events showcasing great science being done in Ohio. The festival’s goal is to show science is everywhere and for everyone.
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Jordan’s Deli wins April True Transaction Award
Jordan’s Deli & Catering in Gahanna has won the April True Transaction Award for its outstanding record of using accurate scales and scanners in its sales of high-quality delicatessen sandwiches and cuisine.
“Congratulations to the team at Jordan’s Deli for their excellent record of using accurate scales and scanners in selling their tasty sandwiches. The staff of Jordan’s works closely with Weights and Measures inspectors to ensure the scales and scanners are accurate for their customers, a sign of a great deli,” Stinziano said.
Jordan’s Deli is located at 471 Morrison Rd. in Gahanna and offers a fresh selection of hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts.
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Community Hours
Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano continues to hold weekly virtual Community Hours meetings where residents 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 at the dates and times below via facebook live @mstinziano.
Wednesday, May 5 – 10:30 am
Highlighting 3 Brothers Diner, 3090 Southwest Blvd. in Jackson Township.
Tuesday, May 11 – 1:30 pm
Highlighting Mi Casita Venezolana, 4866 W. Broad St. in Prairie Township, with special guest Nikki Scarpitti of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Monday, May 17 - 6:00 pm
Highlighting Pure Imagination Chocolatier, 1205 Grandview Ave. in Grandview Heights, and live from the Scioto Audubon Dog Park.
Thursday, May 27 – 9:30 am
Highlighting La Campina, 5256 Cleveland Ave. in Blendon Township.
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