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It’s summertime in Ohio, and along with festivals and farmers markets, often that means violent storms that cause widespread damage. When the unthinkable happens, your Franklin County Auditor’s office can be an important resource for property owners who have experienced damage to their properties.
State law gives County Auditors the authority to reduce real estate values for properties, including mobile homes, that have been damaged or destroyed by a storm, fire, or other disaster. That temporary reduction in value can result in significantly reduced property taxes paid to the Franklin County Treasurer until the property has been restored to its original condition.
Recently, a change in law has made the process of applying for a property value reduction because of damage even easier for owners: If the Auditor’s office becomes aware of damage to a property, the office will proactively file for a value reduction on behalf of owners.
When damage occurs, an appraisal team will be out in the field assessing damages to properties and then sending notification letters to affected homeowners. Within 45 days of that letter, the Auditor’s office will proceed with filing a damaged and destroyed form (Form DTE-26) on the property owner’s behalf unless the owner indicates they don’t want to file.
It makes the process more seamless for property owners who are enduring hardship because of things like damaged roofs and structures or damage from fires or floods. Owners can always file a Damaged and Destroyed form on their own at https://www.franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/tax-reduction-programs/damaged-destroyed-form. More information, including application deadlines and the percentage deduction allowed, can also be found at that website.
The damaged and destroyed property value reduction process is part of the Auditor’s office role in proactively protecting homeowners and consumers. If your home has been damaged by fire, storms, or some other disaster, your Auditor’s office will be out in the community assisting homeowners and helping them get the relief they need.
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Michael Stinziano
Franklin County Auditor |
Auditor’s Office Presents Tax Incentive Hub at GIS Conference
The Tax Incentive Hub, a one stop shop for information on every tax incentive in use in Franklin County, continues to receive national acclaim. The Auditor’s office made a presentation at the national Esri User Conference in San Diego in July showcasing the Hub for GIS professionals from around the world. The event is billed as the largest GIS conference in the world.
The award-winning Hub features maps that show where incentives are in use, the different types of incentives, data about the incentives, and the local ordinance that created each. The maps can break down the tax incentives by municipality, so residents can see which are in use in their neighborhood.
It also lists the effects each incentive has on government agencies that depend on tax revenue, and it links to specific information about each incentive at the individual municipality’s economic development website.
 Auditor’s Office at the Franklin County Fair
Your Auditor’s office was present at this month’s Franklin County Fair, showcasing and offering the services of the office for fairgoers.
At the weeklong event from July 18-24, the office also celebrated Family Day, Military Appreciation Day, and Older Residents Day.
The Franklin County Auditor's office also verifies all scales for livestock at the Franklin County Fair.
If you have a local event or festival that you’d like the Auditor’s office to attend, email Auditor Stinziano at AuditorStinziano@franklincountyohio.gov.
Employee Spotlight – Daniel Novena
One of the Auditor’s office staff who helps homeowners when their property is damaged by a storm or some other disaster is Deputy Auditor Daniel Novena, who performs data entry in the Appraisal department.
In addition to processing the DTE-26 form for damaged and destroyed property, he also processes manufactured home transfers.
“I like being part of the team that helps constituents save money when their properties have been damaged or destroyed,” he said.
Daniel joined the office in 2014 and has worked in data entry ever since.
 E-Alerts Available to Protect Homeowners
As part of the Auditor’s office commitment to maintaining accurate records and protecting homeowners, the office offers a free online tool that sends notifications whenever your property’s records have changed.
eAlerts provides an automated email alert whenever a change is made to a property’s record at the Auditor’s office. It allows homeowners to easily monitor their property information.
To sign up for eAlerts, search for your property on the Auditor’s office website. Then, from the parcel summary page, click on “sign up for or manage property eAlerts” button and enter your contact information. Finally, verify your registration through a confirmation message that is sent to your email. For more information, contact the Auditor’s office at (614) 525-HOME, or AuditorStinziano@franklincoutyohio.gov.
Licensing All Canines
Did you know… In addition to licensing all Franklin County dogs, the Auditor’s office also licenses therapy dogs and canine units for law enforcement and the Franklin County Sheriff’s office?
Recently the office issued a permanent license and certificate for Bindi, a new Sheriff’s office therapy dog who helps victims of crime. Even those who protect our community understand the importance of Protecting Your Pal.
July True Transactions Award goes to Kilwins
Kilwins Dublin won the July True Transactions Award for its stellar record of using accurate scales and scanners in selling its fine chocolates, fudge and ice creams.
“Well done to the team at Kilwins for their flawless record of using precise scales and scanners as they sell their handcrafted, high-quality chocolates and ice creams,” Auditor Stinziano said. “Kilwin’s staff work with Weights and Measures to ensure accurate scales and scanners that give customers everything they paid for.”
Kilwins Dublin is located at 4549 Bridge Park Ave. in the Bridge Park Waterfront. The store sells handmade fudge, chocolates, caramel corn, brittle, caramel apples and 32 flavors of ice cream.
 Community Hours
Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano continues to hold weekly Community Hours meetings where residents can stop by and visit, or join virtually via Facebook @mstinziano, and share firsthand their feedback and ideas about the Auditor’s office or any concerns they have.
Community Hours will be held at the dates and locations listed below.
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Monday, August 1st, 1:30pm, virtual community hours featuring Mona's Eats & Treats and Jackson Township.
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Tuesday, August 9th, 12:30pm, in-person community hours at the Obetz Community Center, 1650 Obetz Avenue, Obetz, Ohio 43207.
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Thursday, August 18th, 10:00am, in-person community hours at the Southeast Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 3980 S. Hamilton Road, Groveport, OH 43125.
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Wednesday, August 24th, 11:00am, in-person at Cornerstone Deli & Bakery, 3296 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43202.
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Wednesday, August 31st, 10:30am, virtual community hours featuring Porter's Coffeehouse & Bakery and the city of Pickerington.
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