Highland County Democratic Party hosts county auditor Jan. 12 for property tax discussion
By Pat Lawrence
Highland County Democratic Party
In a presentation open to the public, on Jan. 12, Highland County Auditor Alex Butler will provide information regarding the responsibilities of his office, property valuation, property tax reform and the 2024 state-mandated reappraisal.
Hosted by the Highland County Democratic Party at the 221 Chillicothe Avenue headquarters, the presentation will begin at 6 p.m. and be followed by a question-and-answer session to discuss topics that attendees wish to discuss.
Party Chair Dinah Phillips said, “New tax numbers will be arriving for all of us at the beginning of the year, so this seemed like a good time for everyone to have their questions answered directly by the county auditor.”
Although homeowners will be most interested in changes to their own home evaluations, Phillips also anticipates questions relating to the CAUV provision of Ohio law, the Current Agricultural Use Value program.
“For property tax purposes, farmland devoted exclusively to commercial agriculture may be valued according to its current use rather than at its 'highest and best' potential use," she said. "By permitting values to be set below market values, the CAUV normally results in a substantially lower tax bill for working farmers. How those values are applied can have a devastating effect on our farming community.”
John Knauff, who owns a home on nine acres in the county and three rental properties in Hillsboro, said, “I am willing to pay my fair share of all taxes – income, sales, real estate, gas and others. I just don't think I should be supporting the rich. I’m interested in learning about properties under some kind of tax abatement and the amount of tax revenue lost for it, and also, how many area properties are condemned or delinquent and if the tax revenue lost for them is significant.”
Planning Committee Chair Kit Lowe is very interested in hearing the auditor’s remarks. She said, “I want to hear Alex speak because I believe an informed voter is an asset to either party. Property taxes have people up in arms. They feel they pay too much and that our schools take too much. I think if our voters heard directly from our county auditor, they would make informed decisions in the voting booth when a candidate campaigns on lowering property taxes.”
Attendance is free, and there is parking behind the headquarters building. For other questions, please leave a message at (937) 509-2206.