JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio – Officials say it’s the number one topic among legislators in Columbus. It’s the dramatic increase in property taxes across the state.
River News Network has followed this issue since last year and talked to numerous public officials and residents about the matter.
Belmont County residents seem to have been hit hard with steep tax increases but other local counties are also feeling the tax pain.
The State of Ohio groups all 88 counties into three sets that they schedule for property re-evaluation every six years. The counties’ re-evaluations are staggered among the three groups so that not all 88 counties are reviewed at the same time. Locally, Jefferson, Belmont and Muskingum Counties are in the re-evaluation cycle.
Jefferson County Auditor E.J. Conn tells River News Network that the property tax increases are a statewide issue. Conn says the real estate market is driving property values up across Ohio. Conn says the increase is historically substantial and the largest he’s seen in his career.
“It’s the largest increase I’ve seen.”
Jefferson County Auditor E.J. Conn
Conn says his office is hearing from property owners concerned about their taxes. Jefferson County has 63,000 parcels of land and he said sometimes an error can occur in valuations. Property owners have the right to request a property tax review through the county board of review.
Jefferson County contracts with the Vision Government Solutions, Inc. of Findlay, Ohio to complete property re-evaluations, Conn says.
Conn says his staff is happy to talk to anyone with questions. Jefferson County residents can call the real estate division of the auditor’s office at 740-283-8518.
Conn also says there is talk at the state level of a tax relief bill. He encourages residents to also contact their state legislators about their property tax and re-evaluation concerns.
