|
As the calendar turns to fall, your Franklin County Auditor’s office continues to focus on the need for affordable housing in our community.
The lack of affordable housing can in part be traced back to a now-outlawed housing practice from the 1930s: redlining, where governments, banks and other institutions actually outlined neighborhoods in red – usually minority neighborhoods - where they would not offer their services. This month the YWCA Columbus has been leading efforts to show the lingering impacts of redlining. The YWCA along with community partners have brought to our community “Undesign the Redline,” a national interactive exhibit that explores the history of redlining and how it still affects our communities today. The exhibit invites discussion of what we can do to combat the toxic legacy of that racist policy.
Since I took office, the Auditor’s office has been examining how we can eliminate biases introduced by redlining and has implemented several initiatives that promote equity and affordability in housing.
One of those initiatives which we are now launching is our Neighborhood Survey, which for the first time seeks the input of residents who actually live in neighborhoods to help inform how properties are valued. The survey asks residents to rate things like the desirability of the neighborhood, shopping and restaurants, medical facilities, community facilities, and many aspects of quality of life, all of which will be used by our appraisers to develop accurate, fair home values for Franklin County homeowners. Surveys will be available whenever the Auditor’s office is out in the community at events and are always available online at: https://www.franklincountyauditor.com/neighborhoodsurvey
The neighborhood survey is only one way the office is working to make housing affordable and equitable. The office has also created the Homeowner Assistance Program, which helps lower-income homeowners challenge their home values at the Board of Revision, potentially lowering their property taxes. The Auditor’s office has also increased its community outreach efforts in underserved neighborhoods and is out letting residents know how the office can assist them. And just this month, the office hosted an Affordable Housing Resource Fair that drew hundreds of residents looking for resources and information.
As central Ohio grows with projects like the Intel factory, it will be more important than ever that we ensure that no one is left behind and affordable housing is available to everyone in our community. Through exhibits like Undesign the Redline and projects like our Neighborhood Survey and the Homeowner Assistance Program, the Auditor’s office is working hard to promote equity and affordability in housing throughout our community.
 |
|
Michael Stinziano
Franklin County Auditor |
Neighborhood Survey: No One Knows Your Neighborhood Better Than You
As part of the 2023 Sexennial Property Reappraisal, we are asking Franklin County residents to complete this quick survey about their neighborhoods to give us the best and most accurate information possible as we work to establish the most fair and equitable property values possible.
Your Franklin County Auditor’s office in-house and contract appraisers use a variety of techniques to determine how to value neighborhoods, but are often appraising neighborhoods that are new to them.
Your participation in this survey will help us compare their work with the opinions of those who actually live in the neighborhood and will help us identify any necessary adjustments to the appraisers’ opinions. No one knows your neighborhood better than you.
To complete the Neighborhood Survey, visit: https://www.franklincountyauditor.com/neighborhoodsurvey
Shred Hunger Event to be held in Westerville
The Franklin County Auditor’s office is hosting a combination food drive, document shredding and e-recycling event in Westerville on Saturday, October 15.
The free “Shred Hunger” event will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Westerville Public Service Center, 370 Park Meadow Rd. in Westerville.
At the event, residents can bring documents, CDs and DVDs to be shredded onsite. Residents may also drop off electronics for recycling. Accepted items include computers, printers, tablets, stereos, LCD televisions, tube-style televisions, MP3 players, batteries, cables, keyboards, cell phones or other electronic equipment. Household appliances, vacuum cleaners, lamps and lightbulbs are not accepted.
While dropping off items for recycling or shredding, residents are encouraged to donate nonperishable goods to the pantry to support the community. Suggested donations include canned soup, oatmeal, cereal, condiments, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, diapers and laundry detergent.
For more information on Shred Hunger, visit the Auditor’s office Facebook page or download our flyer by clicking here.
 |
|
Affordable Housing Resource Fair Draws Hundreds of Attendees
More than 500 people attended the Affordable Housing Resource Fair hosted by the Auditor’s office this past month. The fair, held at East High School, featured information and resources on affordable, accessible, and high-quality housing and social services from more than 40 organizations.
The fair also offered various family-friendly arts, crafts, and interactive activities will be offered. More Affordable Housing Resource Fairs are planned in the future.
|
Updated Levy Estimator Available for Homeowners
With early voting just weeks away, several municipalities and districts have put levies and bond issues on this November’s ballot, and the Auditor’s office has updated the Levy Estimator tool with new information so that homeowners can see how a proposed levy would affect their property taxes.
Levies and bond issues are on the ballot in several jurisdictions across the county, including in Columbus, Franklin Township, New Albany, Pickerington, Upper Arlington, Madison-Plains, and Worthington, all of which affect the services residents receive and their property taxes.
To use the Levy Estimator, visit https://audr-apps.franklincountyohio.gov/LevyEstimator.
After selecting your home’s location or entering a parcel number, the estimator will show both your current and estimated taxes if a levy or bond issue in your jurisdiction passes in the November general election.
Early and absentee voting begins October 12 and will run through November 7.
As a reminder, mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by election day, November 8, or dropped off at the Board of Elections office at 1700 Morse Rd. by 7:30 p.m. on November 8.
For more information about voting and early voting hours, visit the Board of Elections website.
Employee Spotlight – Cailyn Pittman
One of the Auditor’s office employees who is constantly out in the community representing the office is Outreach Coordinator Cailyn Pittman. Cailyn, who joined the office in December 2021, organizes scores of events in the community and is responsible for planning and executing office outreach strategies. That means connecting with the community by cultivating relationships and engaging with residents, businesses and community organizations, and other relevant organizations to help educate them about the Auditor’s office and the services it provides.
“I believe we can begin creating stronger communities through diversity equity and inclusion, engagement, and education. In my current role, I enjoy most connecting community members with resources related to the great work in the Franklin County Auditor’s office and also to additional accessible housing and social services resources,” she said.
Cailyn is a native of Linden on the North Side of Columbus.
Happy Hostess House Cake Decorators wins September True Transactions Award
Happy Hostess House Cake Decorators has won the September True Transactions Award for its use of accurate scales in the sales of its decorations for baked goods. “Congrats to the team at Happy Hostess House Cake Decorators for their excellent use of accurate scales and scanners in the sale of their decorations,” Auditor Stinziano said. “Weights and measures works with businesses like Happy Hostess to ensure customers get what they pay for.”
Happy Hostess House Cake Decorators has been serving central Ohio since 1960 and is located at 2892 Johnstown Rd. in Columbus. For more information visit their Facebook page.
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.
-
Wednesday, October 5th at 10:30am: In-person community hours at Upper Cup, 121 Mill St. Gahanna, Ohio 43230
-
Wednesday, October 12th at 11:30am: Virtual community hours featuring Kuhlwein’s Farm Market & Deli and Brown Township
-
Thursday, October 20th at 1:30pm: In-person community hours at Tea Zone Bakery & Café, 5025 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43214
-
Tuesday, October 25th at 2pm: Virtual community hours featuring Stadz Pizzeria and Jefferson Township
|
