Auditor’s Office Returns $5 Million to Franklin County Schools, Libraries, Municipalities
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano has announced that the Auditor’s office is reallocating $5 million to schools, libraries, parks, municipalities and agencies ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Of that $5 million, a majority of the funds – more than $3.2 million - are going to school districts across the county. Additionally, Franklin County cities and villages will get $414,173, townships will get $259,952, libraries and parks will get $136,270, and county agencies will get $944,764.
“By being fiscally responsible, we are able to return this money to help our community,” said Stinziano. “This is as close as we can come as per Ohio law to returning the funds directly to the citizens of Franklin County.”
The reallocated money could be used for items like property tax relief, school supplies or other needs that benefit residents of Franklin County.
“We are extremely grateful to Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano for this timely refund and commend his efforts in supporting local governments. This contribution will undoubtedly enhance educational programs and resources that enable us to further our mission of maximizing and personalizing every student’s learning at Grandview Heights Schools,” said Beth Collier, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Grandview Heights Schools.
Columbus City Schools will get the largest allotment of all the districts, at $1.08 million. Other school districts receiving generous returns are Hilliard City Schools with $293,911, Dublin City Schools at $287,238, Worthington City Schools at $267,913, South-Western Schools at $249,263, Upper Arlington at $202,521, and Westerville City Schools with $187,802.
Among cities and villages, Columbus received the largest reapportionment, at $189,000, followed by Dublin at $36,636 and Upper Arlington at $28,192. Among libraries, the Columbus Metropolitan Library will receive $90,396, followed by the Worthington Public Library at $14,037 and the Upper Arlington Public Library at $8,771.
The money that is being redistributed was collected as required by state law to pay for real estate reappraisals and triennial updates.
