BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Crawford County Auditor Robyn Sheets announced today that the 2024 tentative property values have been completed and are now available for review. Postcards have been mailed to property owners informing them of the new tentative property values.
Why a Reappraisal?
Known as a Sexennial Reappraisal, Ohio law requires County Auditors to value all real estate parcels in their counties every six years. During this stage of the appraisal process, property owners have the opportunity to review their property data and valuation for accuracy before the values become final with the State of Ohio.
Auditor Sheets emphasized that each property is reviewed individually, so one parcel’s value may increase more or less than the average, depending on factors such as location, desirability, or condition. An increase in value does not necessarily mean a comparable increase in tax. Ohio legislation ensures that approximately the same amount is collected each year for the voted millage. Therefore, levy millage rates will be adjusted by the Department of Taxation to keep the total amount collected consistent with the amount originally voted. “This is an important concept to understand because the reappraisal law is designed to equalize all values among taxpayers, not to enhance revenue for the taxing authorities,” Sheets stressed.
How Much Will My Property Tax Be?
An estimation of taxes payable in 2025 cannot be determined at this time due to the tax levies currently on the November 2024 ballot. The Department of Taxation does not release 2024 tax rates until county election results have been certified, in addition to the certification of values for taxing authorities that overlap adjoining counties.
What Do the 2024 Tentative Property Values Indicate?
Countywide, the increase in value for residential properties was 38% since the Triennial Update in 2021, plus any new construction in the prior three years. Additionally, industrial and commercial properties throughout the county experienced 7% and 9% increases, respectively. For all properties enrolled in the CAUV tax savings program, the county saw an increase in agricultural land valuation. The CAUV soil values are determined by the Ohio Department of Taxation and are updated in conjunction with the county’s reappraisal cycle. “Agricultural production in Crawford County significantly contributes to our local economy,” Sheets noted. The Auditor’s Office will hold an informational meeting for agricultural producers at the Youth Building at the Crawford County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Reviewing Your Property’s Value
Property owners may review their property valuation in person at the Real Estate Division of the Auditor’s Office on the first floor of the County Administration Building between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays or by calling 419-563-1850. Appraisers will be available for discussion via phone or in person during weekdays from Monday, September 30, 2024, through Friday, October 11, 2024.
The new 2024 values will also be available during this open inspection period by accessing the real estate website at realestate.crawford-co.org/ry-search.php. Property searches can be done using the owner’s name, address, or parcel number.
In closing, Auditor Sheets encourages property owners to review their tax records for accuracy of their property’s characteristics. This can be done by calling the Real Estate office or visiting the website listed above.