As we approach Labor Day and the end of summer, football games are being played and our kids are returning to school. Despite the return of these fall rituals, the pandemic still persists, with increasing cases in every county in the state.

Earlier this year, the General Assembly passed legislation that created a month-long special filing period for property owners to file COVID-19-related complaints with the Board of Revision. The legislation, which I supported, helps beleaguered business owners affected economically by the pandemic and related health orders by allowing them to challenge their property values, which in turn impact their property taxes.

The Board of Revision has collected over a hundred COVID-19 complaints from the beginning of the special filing period on August 3, 2021 to its end on September 2, 2021, and is now in the process of reviewing these cases. The next opportunity to submit a property value complaint to the Board of Revision will be in mid-November when the Board begins accepting complaints for tax year 2021. 

To learn more about the Board of Revision, you may visit the Board's website here: https://www.franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/board-of-revision. If you have any questions about the BOR complaint-filing process or the status of your case, please contact the office at (614) 525-3913 or BOR@franklincountyohio.gov. 

As your Franklin County Auditor, I will continue to look for ways I can support our local businesses, and especially those that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s all a part of leading an office that is committed to providing outstanding public service for the residents and businesses of Franklin County.

Storm-damaged Properties Could be Eligible for Tax Relief

After several inches of rain inundated the east side of Franklin County earlier this month, Auditor Stinziano reminds home and business owners that they may be eligible to receive a reduction on their annual real estate tax bill if their property has been damaged or destroyed by storms.

State 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.

The application deadline for property damage that has occurred since January 1, 2021 is December 31, 2021.

Applications for a property value reduction as well as additional information are available on the Franklin County Auditor's website at http://www.franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/tax-reduction-programs/damaged-destroyed-form.

Property owners can also get additional information by calling the Franklin County Auditor's office at (614) 525-HOME or emailing AuditorStinziano@franklincountyohio.gov.

Auditor’s Office in the Community  

The Auditor’s office was out and about in the community in August, attending scores of events where staff shared the office’s services and resources with residents. Staff and Auditor Stinziano attended multiple National Night Out events on August 3, followed by the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival, the African-American Male Wellness Walk, the 6^th Annual Linden Block Party, WAG! Fest, Avenue for All Festival on Parsons Avenue, and Grandview Hop.

In addition, the Auditor’s Mobile Office has been traversing the county, visiting local neighborhoods and providing services such as dog licensing, rental registration and applications for the Homestead exemption. Look for the Mobile Office to visit your neighborhood soon, delivering Auditor’s office services to the community.  

Saraga International Grocery Store wins August True Transactions Award

Saraga International Grocery Store has won the August True Transactions Award for its excellent record of using accurate scales and scanners in its sales of international cuisine and foods and beverages. 

“I congratulate the team at Saraga International Grocery Store for their great record of using accurate scales and scanners. Saraga staff work closely with weights and measures to ensure accurate scales and scanners for the benefit of their customers,” Stinziano said.

Saraga International Grocery Store opened in Columbus in 2013 and sells more than 10,000 different kinds of foods and goods to customers from diverse backgrounds. It is located at 1265 Morse Road on the North Side of Columbus.