Carroll County auditor waives Real Estate Assessment Fund fees for 2025

Carroll County Auditor Staci Brady announced that the Auditor’s Office will not collect Real Estate Assessment Fund fees for the 2025 tax year, a move that will return about $800,000 to local taxing districts.

State law does not allow county auditors to refund these funds directly to taxpayers because they are generated through approved levies. However, Brady said the decision will allow additional revenue to flow to taxing districts. The money will be distributed in the same proportion as regular property tax collections, giving local entities flexibility to make adjustments that could benefit property owners.

Brady said the move aligns with statewide efforts to improve property tax fairness and provide relief to taxpayers. The County Auditors’ Association of Ohio has proposed several reforms, including:

—Expanding the Homestead Program to provide more relief to additional homeowners

—Eliminating the Non-Business Credit and expanding the Owner-Occupancy Credit to better assist those who live in their homes

—Limiting the growth in revenue received by school districts due to reappraisal changes, ensuring tax increases are not disproportionately driven by updated property values

—Creating a menu of targeted relief options to address diverse taxpayer needs across Ohio

The Real Estate Assessment Fund supports county auditors’ property assessment operations, which ensure fair tax calculations. These include property reappraisals, record maintenance, property inspections, data collection and Geographic Information Systems mapping for accurate parcel management and public access.

“I can no longer wait for the state legislature to act,” Brady said. “I feel I need to do everything within my authority to help reduce the tax burden on Carroll County taxpayers. I hope this action encourages other officials to consider steps they can take to reduce the tax burden as well.”

Brady said the decision reflects her office’s commitment to providing relief to taxpayers while maintaining fairness and transparency during the recent countywide reappraisal.