Early voting for this year’s general election is less than a week away, and it’s important for homeowners to Know the Value of Your Vote and how levies and bond issues on the ballot could have a substantial impact on your property taxes.

On this November’s ballot, there will be two countywide levies. In addition, there will be 14 local levies and bond issues in jurisdictions across Franklin County. The funds generated by these levies support things like schools, municipalities, and fire departments.

While these levies can help fund these essential government services, they play a big role in the calculation of your property taxes. Your Franklin County Auditor’s office is updating the Levy Estimator tool on the office website to provide property owners with an estimated dollar amount of how much a levy or bond issue could affect their property taxes if it should pass. Be on the lookout in the mail for a card in the coming week, letting you know more about the levy estimator and how you can use it. 

Early voting begins October 7, and Election Day is on Tuesday, November 4. This fall and every election, make sure your voice is heard—go vote!

Big Table talks Explore Dog Ownership, Housing Concerns  

The Auditor’s office will host two Big Table discussions in October, exploring the joys of dog ownership and the housing concerns of adults who are caring for children while also caring for their aging parents.

Both Big Table discussions will be held October 21 and anyone interested is encouraged to attend.

The first Big Table: The Sandwich Generation, about the housing concerns of adults caring for children and at the same time caring for aging parents, will be held on October 21 at noon at the Franklin County Courthouse, First Floor Auditorium, 373 S. High St. in downtown Columbus.   

The second Big Table: The Joys of Dog Ownership, will be held October 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Franklin County Dog Shelter, 4340 Tamarack Blvd. in Columbus.

For more information, visit the Auditor’s Facebook page.

Me and My Pal Drawing Contest to Promote Dog Licensing

Entries are now being accepted for the 2025 Me and My Pal drawing contest, which promotes the importance of dog licensing and responsible pet care.

The contest is open to K-6 grade level students either enrolled in a school in Franklin County or homeschooled in Franklin County.

For the contest, students submit a drawing of themselves and their dogs on a letter-sized piece of paper.

The first-place winner will have their drawing featured on the cover of the 2026 “Me and My Pal” calendar, the office’s licensing promotional materials, and the Auditor's social media and website.

All winners will receive a complimentary 2026 dog license, an award certificate, and a commemorative photo taken with the Auditor.

In addition to being required by state law, dog licensing ensures that any lost dog is returned quickly to their owners. License fees help support the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center. For information on the contest and to submit an entry, visit the Auditor’s office website.

Learning Express wins True Transactions Award

Learning Express in Upper Arlington has won the September True Transactions Award for using accurate scales and scanners in the sale of its toys.

“Congratulations to the team at Learning Express on protecting their customers through the use of accurate scales and scanners, a trait of a well-run business,” Auditor Stinziano said.

Learning Express Upper Arlington sells a wide variety of toys, including classics and newly discovered toys, for kids of all ages. It is located at 3140 Riverside Dr. in Upper Arlington.

October 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: 

• Tuesday, October 7 at 9 am – In-person community hours at New Grounds Coffee House, 6318 Scioto Darby Rd. in Hilliard     
• Monday, October 13 at 12:30 pm – Virtual community hours featuring Portside Cafe, 6515 S. High St., Lockbourne
• Thursday, October 23 at 10:30 am – Virtual community hours featuring Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, 3110 Kingsdale Center, Upper Arlington
• Wednesday, October 29 at 9:30 am – In-person community hours at 5 Bean Coffee, 2087 Baltimore-Reynoldsburg Rd., Suite A, in Reynoldsburg/Truro Township