Carroll County commissioners review property tax relief options, approve $56K demolition bid

Commissioner Robert Wirkner spoke about the county’s options to provide property tax relief in response to recent valuation increases at the Oct. 27 Carroll County Commissioners meeting. He explained that while he had originally planned to propose immediate relief for residents, his review of House Bill 335 raised new concerns.

According to Wirkner, the bill aims to cap property tax increases to the rate of inflation but includes language that could restrict counties’ control over their own tax rates. Specifically, if a county voluntarily reduces its “inside millage,” a portion of local property tax rates, it will no longer have the authority to restore that millage in the future without approval from the county budget commission. Wirkner said this change would effectively disincentivize counties from taking independent action to lower taxes.

The County Commissioners Association of Ohio has expressed similar concerns and is working with the state Senate to amend the bill. Wirkner advised the board to wait for Senate action before proceeding, noting that premature action could create conflicts or unintended fiscal problems. He also pointed out that only three counties — Carroll, Monroe and Vinton — would be directly affected by certain limitations in the bill because of their unique revenue structures. The board agreed to revisit the issue during its next meeting once more information from the association or state legislature becomes available.

“In other words, this board has an appetite to help the people of Carroll County with their tax bill,” said Commissioner Chris Modranski. “We just need to wait and see what the state is going to do.”

The commissioners also discussed adopting an owner-occupancy “piggyback” tax credit to give immediate relief to homeowners who live in their primary residences. County Auditor Staci Brady explained that the measure would double the current credit amount and must be approved by Nov. 1 to apply to the current tax cycle. Homeowners already enrolled in the program would automatically benefit, while new applicants could take advantage starting next year. The auditor said available collection fees would more than cover the county’s portion of the costs.

The board agreed to have the necessary resolution prepared for Thursday’s meeting.

In other business, commissioners: 

— Accepted a bid from Jay Green Excavating LLC for $56,100 to handle building demolition and site revitalization connected with the F-24 Project A. The motion was made as recommended by Susan Moore, community development specialist with the Ohio Regional Development Corporation, and included authorization to issue a notice of award to the contractor. 

— Heard dog licenses will go on sale Nov. 1. Brady said residents can purchase licenses in several ways including online, by mail, by phone or in person. To make it easier for the public, the auditor and members of her staff will also be available at Tractor Supply Nov. 8, 15 and 22 to sell licenses directly. — Paid the bills of $51,711.49.