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Originally published
BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The Belmont County Commissioners met with county auditor Cindi Henry Wednesday for the Belmont County Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2025 on Wednesday.
Henry noted that county sales tax is down $500,000 this year but said half of this year is still ahead for the county to make up and collect the deficit. She added that the state of Ohio tax-free shopping days were increased this year, which could have lowered tax revenues.
The extended tax-free holiday could have impacted sales tax.
Cindi Henry, Belmont County Auditor
Governor DeWine expanded the length of Ohio’s Sales Tax holiday to 10 days this year, allowing tax-free purchases made in-person or online on all eligible items of up to $500. Per the Governor’s office, “Previous sales tax holidays ran three days, included only school-related items, and offered much lower purchase price limits ($75 maximum on an item of clothing; $20 per item of instructional material and/or school supplies).”
Commissioner J. P. Dutton added that there does not seem to be a way to recoup the tax money.
There is no state mechanism to reimburse counties for the tax-free holiday.
Belmont County Commissioner J. P. Dutton
The officials also discussed tax levies and property taxes. Dutton expressed his support for the children’s services levy, which is dropping.
I’d love to see the levy passed in November then dropped.
Belmont County Commissioner J. P. Dutton
Commissioners explained that children’s services has a cash balance they will tap into but noted that Ohio is ranked 49 out of the 50 states in the dollars it spends on children’s services statewide.
Henry added that there are a number of levies in Belmont County that contribute to higher property taxes that burden residents. This is on top of the projected 20 percent increase in county property taxes following a mandated property revaluation this year.
We keep putting a burden on taxpayers and they can’t keep absorbing it.
Cindi Henry, Belmont County Auditor
Henry said property owners have the opportunity to appeal their revaluations through an informal hearing process.
How can you reduce your property taxes in Belmont County?
The hearings will take place at the Belmont County Courthouse the first two weeks of September from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Auditor’s staff will be on hand weekdays and even on Saturdays. Henry said 300 slots were available and one-third of those are already filled.
You can request an informal hearing with the Belmont County Auditor’s office online or by calling (740) 699-2131.
