February Community Update

One of the most important parts of the Auditor’s office is our connect function with residents and business of Franklin County, and your Franklin County Auditor’s office will hold another Affordable Housing Resource Fair this March offering important housing information and resources for the community.

More than 50 organizations will be present to help residents find affordable housing, from banks to healthcare companies to government agencies.

The fair is intended for people with a wide range of housing needs, including rentals, senior housing, first-time homebuyers, accessibility needs, and support services that can help residents stay safely housed. Whether you rent, own, are buying your first home, are looking at senior housing options, or need accessibility options, there will be resources there for you. 

The fair will be held Saturday, March 7, from 10 am to 2 pm at East High School, 1500 E. Broad Street on the East Side of Columbus. Financial institutions will be present with information on mortgages and other assistance, and community experts will be discussing policy, resources, development and more.

Your Auditor’s office remains committed to ensuring that everyone in our neighborhoods can get quality affordable housing. I encourage you and your neighbors to visit the fair and take advantage of the resources that will be available. More information is available on the Auditor’s office website.

Michael Stinziano Franklin County Auditor

Last Call for Reduced-Rate Dog Licenses Franklin County dog owners have until Saturday, February 28 to renew their dog license at the reduced-rate price. Dog licensing season runs December 1 through February 28, and this year the deadline was extended by one month to give residents more time to purchase their licenses.

Ohio law requires dogs to have a valid dog license. Licensing helps reunite lost dogs with their owners and supports the operations of the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

Dog licenses are available as 1-year, 3-year, or lifetime licenses. A lifetime license is permanent and does not require annual renewal.

To get your reduced-rate dog licenses before the end of the deadline:

• Online: doglicense.franklincountyohio.gov
• Franklin County Auditor’s Office Dog Licensing Event:  Tractor Supply Co.,
  3571 W Dublin-Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
  Saturday, February 28, from 9:30 to 11 am
• Also available: Franklin County Dog Shelter

Board of Revision to Hold Mobile Filing Events to Assist Homeowners

The Franklin County Board of Revision (BOR) is holding in-person filing events to answer questions regarding property values and assist homeowners in filing a complaint if they believe their value is incorrect. The deadline to file with the BOR is March 31, 2026. BOR filing events will be held:

• Tuesday, March 3, from 1 pm – 3:30 pm, LifeCare Alliance Carrie’s Café, 670 Harmon Ave. in Columbus. This event will also feature a Homestead Exemption Application clinic.
• Friday, March 6, from 12:30 pm - 3 pm, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Reynoldsburg Branch, Rooms 2 & 3, 1402 Brice Rd. in Reynoldsburg.
• Saturday, March 14, from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Shepard Branch, 850 Nelson Rd. in Columbus. This event will also feature a Homestead Exemption Application clinic.
• Saturday, March 21, from 10 am – 12:30 pm, Columbus Metropolitan Library, South High Branch, 3540 S. High St. in Columbus.
• Tuesday, March 31, from 8:30 am – 4 pm, Franklin County Government Office Tower Auditorium, 373 S. High St. in Columbus.

Ethiopian Grocery wins February True Transactions Award Addis Ababa Grocery in Whitehall has won the February True Transaction Award for its use of accurate scales and scanners in its sale of authentic Ethiopian foods and goods. “Congratulations to the team at Addis Ababa for their use of accurate scales and scanners in the sale of fresh produce and foods,” Auditor Stinziano said. Addis Ababa Grocery is a one-stop store for Ethiopian foods and dishes. It is located at 157 Fairway Blvd. in Whitehall.

March 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, March 3 at 9:30 am – In-person community hours at The Coffee Shop @ The Lion, 2511 E. Main St., Bexley Thursday, March 12 at 2 pm - Virtual community hours featuring Hangry City Grille & Spirits, 1252 Hill Rd. N., Pickerington Wednesday, March 18 at 9:30 am – In-person community hours at Sweetwater Coffee and Tea, 4587 Bridge Park Ave., Dublin/Washington Township Tuesday, March 24 at 10:30 am – Virtual community hours featuring Good Cafe, 4400 Easton Commons, Suite 150, Columbus  Monday, March 30 at 10 am - In-person community hours at Columbus Metropolitan Library, Northern Lights Branch, Study Room 5, 4093 Cleveland Ave., Columbus/Clinton Township

Do you have a suggestion for your Franklin County Auditor's office? Email AuditorStinziano@franklincountyohio.gov. Our goal is to make the office accessible to YOU.