Sodders states, “These are times of great challenge to those in public service. With shrinking resources to meet growing demands, we must continue to find ways to operate more efficiently to reduce costs, while maintaining a high level of basic services to all our citizens.”

“In the auditor’s office, we have pursued initiatives to streamline operations to hold down operating costs. At the same time, we have aggressively sought to acquire and implement the latest technology that not only make us more efficient, but also makes government more transparent,” Sodders said.

“Our new web page gives citizens access to all the public information maintained by our office. Never before in the history of Clark County has access to financial data, real estate property records, and government documents been more readily available to the public,” Sodders said.

“Not only do our citizens have greater access to public records in the auditor’s office, they have greater access to me and other public servants working in my office. My web page lists names, phone numbers and email addresses that make contact with our office simple and easy, explained Sodders.

“While I am tempted to boast about change, transparency and past achievements, I remain committed to the constant reexamination of operating procedures that promote efficiency and reduce costs. Taxpayers demand and deserve the very best from their public servants. And that’s exactly what I will continue to give them,” Sodders concluded.

 As your county auditor for the past 19 years, I have seen firsthand the hardships faced by senior citizens, living in fear of losing their home because of ever-rising property taxes. That’s why reforming Ohio’s Homestead Exemption Program was so important to hundreds of thousands of our senior citizens.

In Clark County, we now have over 11,000 senior homeowners enrolled in the homestead program, saving on average $399 per year in taxes. If you will reach age 65 any time during 2010 or are disabled, you have until June 7th to sign up for this important tax-saving program. For an application, go to clarkcountyauditor.org or call 521-1862.

If you are already in the program, you will automatically receive a renewal application by U.S. mail. If there is no change in your eligibility, you are not required to return this form. If there has been a change, simply make the change and send it back in to our office. But remember, you must apply by June 7th to receive this tax deduction.

Download Homestead Application Here.