Many Ohio homeowners are feeling the pressure of a number of kitchen table issues, with property taxes being a primary concern, and it is clear that something needs to change.   

Your Franklin County Auditor’s Office has steadfastly been advocating for a balanced and bipartisan menu of options that could ease the burden on homeowners.    

One idea is modernizing the Homestead Exemption by bringing it up-to-date to meet the needs of older Ohioans. The Homestead Exemption historically is a state program that helps older and disabled property owners reduce their taxable property value, but the income limits and exemption amounts have not kept pace with today’s costs. Modernizing these elements will allow the program to have a greater reach. 

Another approach would be to create Residential Stability Zones, which would provide qualified homeowners with a partial property tax exemption, using existing abatement systems. This approach gives local governments the ability to offer property tax relief in neighborhoods experiencing the sharpest increases, without asking for more from the state budget.

There is also support for a “circuit breaker” system, which would cap property tax increases based on a homeowner's income. States like Minnesota have seen success with this type of model, offering property tax relief to thousands of residents, including renters.  

Finally, Ohio could also implement tax deferrals, which would allow eligible homeowners to delay payment of property taxes until circumstances change and they can be paid.

As you can see, there is a menu of options with the recognition that there is not only one ideal for all neighborhoods. However, none of these solutions can move forward without action from the General Assembly. That is why it is important to make your voice heard. I encourage you to reach out to your state legislators and let them know your support for these or other ideas to address concerns about how property taxes are affecting you and your neighbors.

County Auditors Held Briefing to Advocate for Property Tax Reform

County auditors from around the state discussed property tax relief proposals to help overburdened homeowners at a recent County Auditors’ Association of Ohio (CAAO) briefing in Marysville.

The CAAO has put forward several proposals, including modernizing the homestead exemption to help older homeowners, enhancing the owner occupancy credit, creating new tax relief programs that target low- and moderate-income Ohioans, and proposals to limit school levy growth.

“We are all waiting for the 136th General Assembly to put (out) something substantive. We need a menu of real relief,” Auditor Stinziano said at the briefing.

The briefing was the eighth in a series of Tax Relief briefings hosted by the CAAO.

Community Connects Event to Help Educate New Homeowners

The Auditor’s office will hold a Community Connects event this August focusing on helping new homeowners and exploring how the services of the Auditor’s office can help you.

Community Connects feature staff experts from different Auditor’s office departments who can engage one-on-one with residents to explain about the office and the services it provides.

The August event will feature information to help those looking to purchase a home as well as new homeowners. As always, Community Connects will also include neighborhood-specific content, including information about property values, appraisal, Board of Revision filings, GIS mapping, legislation, consumer services, dog licensing and more.  

Community Connects will be held Thursday, August 14 from 5:30 pm – 7 pm at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. in Westerville.  

Winchester Farm Exchange wins True Transactions Award

The Winchester Farm Exchange, which sells local produce, dairy and meats, has won the July True Transactions Award for using accurate scales and scanners in the sale of its products.

“Congratulations to the Winchester Farm Exchange on their continued use of accurate scales and scanners, a sign of a business that cares about its customers,” Auditor Stinziano said.

The Winchester Farm Exchange is a locally-owned grocery and café that features local farm-grown goods, homemade products and seasonal cuisine. It is located at 8 S. High St. in downtown Canal Winchester.

August 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, August 7 at 4 pm – In-person community hours at the Reynoldsburg Tomato Fest Booth, 1640 Davidson Dr. in Reynoldsburg
• Wednesday, August 13 at 9:30 am – In-person community hours at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., 3221 Hilliard Rome Rd. in Hilliard
• Monday, August 18 at 12:30 pm – Virtual community hours featuring Jolly Pirate Donuts, 3118 Southwest Blvd., Jackson Township/Grove City
• Tuesday, August 26 at 11 am – Virtual community hours featuring Delaney’s Diner, 5916 Westerville Rd., Blendon Township/Westerville