March is the last month to renew your dog license without penalty, and your Franklin County Auditor’s office is working overtime to make the process easier than ever for our county’s dog owners.

2023 is the third year that I have worked with Franklin County Commissioners to extend the deadline from the standard January to March, as part of an effort to increase dog licensing in Franklin County. The extension is but one part of a concerted campaign to make dog licensing a streamlined and simple task that will ultimately help not just owners, but the county’s dogs as well.

One-year, three-year and permanent dog licenses can be purchased without penalty through March 31 online at doglicense.franklincountyohio.gov, or at the Auditor’s office license counter, 373 S. High St., 21^st Floor in downtown Columbus. The counter is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm.

Owners can also change addresses, download forms and update dog information via the online licensing system. 

The office will continue to expand the locations where owners can purchase licenses, including via the Auditor’s Mobile Office, the Franklin County Dog Shelter and at other community events. 

In addition to being required by state law, dog licensing ensures that a dog has been vaccinated against rabies, which is required in Franklin County. It also ensures any lost dog is returned quickly to their owners. License fees help support the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

Dog licensing is responsible pet ownership that protects you and your pup and ensures your canine best friend remains inseparable from your family. Renew your license today!

Spotlight: Malika Bartlett 

One of the Auditor’s office staff who is leading the charge for consumer safety, including dog licensing, is Director of Consumer Services Malika Barrett. Malika joined the office a year ago and oversees the Weights & Measures and Licensing sections of the office.

Her job is to make sure licenses are processed efficiently and consumers get what they pay for in stores and at gas pumps.

“I enjoy helping both sections run as smoothly as possible so that the lives of Franklin County residents are just a little better, even if they don’t know it. A close second are the teams in the Consumer Services division- they do a great job every single day.” 

Auditor’s office to hold Affordable Housing Fair this March

More than 40 housing, social service and financial organizations will join the Franklin County Auditor’s office this month at the Affordable Housing Resource Fair on the South Side of Columbus.

The fair, which is free and open to the public, will feature information and resources on affordable, accessible and high-quality housing and social services.

Attendees will be able to take advantage of resources offered by community housing and social support organizations.

Several banks will also be present with information on mortgages and other financial information, and various family-friendly arts, crafts and interactive activities will be offered.

The Affordable Housing Resource Fair will be held Saturday, March 11 from 11 am to 2 pm at Southwood Elementary School, 1500 S. 4^th St. in Columbus. The fair is one of several organized by the Auditor’s office annually.

Last chance: Let Auditor’s Appraisers know about your neighborhood through the Neighborhood Survey

Ahead of the 2023 Reappraisal, the Franklin County Auditor’s office is conducting a Neighborhood Survey that seeks the input of residents about their 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. The deadline to complete a survey is March 31, 2023.   

The goal of the Neighborhood Survey is to help appraisers reach an equitable, accurate home valuation in the 2023 Reappraisal, which is currently underway. Ohio law requires that properties be reappraised every six years, with a triennial update to property values at the midpoint in between those six years.  

Surveys are available wherever the Auditor’s office is out in the community at events and are always available online at www.franklincountyauditor.com/neighborhoodsurvey.

Pure Imagination Chocolatier Wins February True Transactions Award

Pure Imagination Chocolatier in Grandview Heights has won the February True Transactions Award for its outstanding record of using accurate scales and scanners in the sale of its confectionaries.

“I congratulate Pure Imagination Chocolatier for its use of accurate scanners and scales, which ensures customers get all the high-quality chocolate they paid for,” Auditor Stinziano said.

Pure Imagination Chocolatier was founded in 1998 by master chocolatier Daniel Cooper and offers assorted handmade chocolates crafted in Pure Imagination’s Chocolate studio. It is located at 1205 Grandview Ave. in Grandview Heights.

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.

• Thursday, March 2nd at 2 pm - In-person community hours at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, 1277 Grandview Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43212. 
• Tuesday, March 7th at 10:30 am - Virtual community hours featuring Nom Nom Nom dog bakery.
• Monday, March 13th at 1:30 pm - In-person community hours at CML: Canal Winchester Branch, 115 Franklin St., Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110.
• Monday, March 20th at 11 am - Virtual community hours featuring LaCampina.
• Wednesday, March 29th at 10:30 am - In-person community hours at New Grounds Coffee House, 6318 Scioto Darby Rd., Hilliard, Ohio, 43026.