BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Many Belmont County residents are angry about higher property taxes, but River News Network talked to one man who did something about it after hearing our reporting on the matter.
The man, who asked us not use use his full name, tells River News Network that he was outraged when he received his tax bill for his property in Colerain Township.
“Right now I’m having a major problem with Belmont County property taxes. it went up 300 percent! i heard it may increase as much as 20 percent, but not 300.”
Belmont County taxpayer in Colerain Township
The man, who is a retiree and military veteran on a fixed income, saw a River News Network article on the property tax increase and took action.
“i saw an article you had and printed some forms out. then i went to the courthouse.”
Belmont County taxpayer in Colerain Township
Although the Colerain Township resident says the property tax increase is “ridiculous,” he says the staff at the Belmont County Auditor’s office was “wonderful.” He went there to contest his property value and said the process was easy. He submitted a form and several photos of his property.
“I filled out the form and went to the auditor’s office. i met with an employee who was very nice. he was happy i had the pictures. he kept them and will meet with me in a couple weeks.”
Belmont County taxpayer in Colerain Township
He says the employee told him the State of Ohio “zeros out” property tax values sometimes after a period years so property owners need to keep on top of things and make sure the auditor’s office has the most recent information on improvements and any damage.
Belmont County Auditor Cindi Henry says you absolutely can challenge your property value. But you must file your complaint by March 31.
Taxpayers can contest their 2024 property values through the Belmont County Board of Revision by filing a Complaint Against the Valuation of Real Property (DTE 1) form in the Auditor’s Office. The forms can be found on the Auditor’s Website or in the Auditor’s Office located in the Belmont County Courthouse at 101 W Main Street St. Clairsville, Ohio.
If taxpayers have any questions regarding filing a Board of Revision Complaint, they can call the Belmont County Auditor’s Office at 740-699-2131.
The Colerain Township resident hopes to hear back from the Belmont County Auditor’s office on his appeal within the next few weeks. He said he was still required to pay the current tax bill while his appeal is considered.
Officials say the tax increases are due to property tax re-evaluations the State of Ohio mandates every six years. Locally, Jefferson and Muskingum Counties are also being re-evaluated.
Jefferson County Auditor E.J. Conn 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.
