The Franklin County Auditor’s office works to support policies that improve transparency, modernize local government operations, and provide meaningful property tax relief to residents. Auditor Stinziano has been advocating for the following policy changes at both the state and local level:
To help address the growing burden of property taxes on homeowners, the Auditor’s office has developed four practical proposals for targeted relief, understanding that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for relief. These include circuit breakers to cap taxes based on income, residential stability zones to protect long-term homeowners in rising-value areas, tax deferrals, and expansion of the homestead exemption. Together, these options offer a flexible framework for lawmakers to deliver targeted, meaningful property tax relief. Learn more about the proposals here.
Property Tax Assistance Program
A smaller, temporary solution that would provide some tax relief while the Legislature considers broader tax reform. The Auditor’s office is advocating to reimplement this program under Ohio law.
Clarification on authority to correct tax settlements
This proposal clarifies current law to allow county auditors to correct mistakes in tax settlement with municipalities. Though technical, this priority ensures municipalities are receiving only the tax dollars that they should and that tax-dependent entities, like schools, libraries, and health/human services, are receiving the dollars they are owed.
Deed transfer fraud fix
Would allow county auditors, under certain criteria (reasonable suspicion of fraud), to reject a property transfer.
Virtual meetings for Tax Incentive Review Council
Establish explicit permissive authority for county auditors and local governments who have approved tax incentives to meet their annual statutory requirements through virtual, rather than in-person, meetings.