“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.

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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.

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“Registering and licensing your dog is not just the law, it is the only means by which the owner of a lost or injured animal can be located,” Sodders explained. “Protect your pet and buy a license today,” Sodders said.

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Second place winner is Shyla Cordle, a fourth grade student at Lincoln Park Elementary School in Springfield, and third place winner is Zach Davis, a fourth grade student at Possum School in Springfield Township. Shyla’s dog Molly will wear top dog tag number two, while Angel will wear number three.

The annual top dog contest, available to all third, fourth and fifth grade students in Clark County, is held each year to stress the importance of dog licensing. “Our office will issue approximately 25,000 tags for 2010,” according to Clark County Auditor George Sodders.

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The county auditor’s office began mailing applications to dog owners on November 30th. The deadline for registration and licensing is February 1, 2010. After that, the cost of a tag doubles to $40. New dog owners must license their pet within 30 days of becoming the owner.

For a list of locations to purchase tags, go to the auditor’s web site at clarkcountyauditor.org or call 521-1862. The auditor’s office issued 24,152 tags for 2009 and collected over $346,824. The revenue is used to support the county’s humane society.

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“We have posted on our web page the values of parcels that have changed. If your value does not appear on the changed list, then your value for 2009 will be the same as it was for 2008, excepting for new construction or other changes to the property. I encourage property owners to visit our web page at www.clarkcountyauditor.org to review your changed value. If you have questions, please call us at 521-1878 or email appraisal@clarkcountyohio.gov.,” Sodders said.

“Our open-book period for taxpayer review and discussion will continue until November 6th,” Sodders concluded.

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Promoting the Importance of Dog Licensing Animal Safety.

This contest is open to every 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Student in Clark County. Do you think your dog is the TOP DOG   living in Clark County?  If so, you could win a special #1 Top Dog license tag for your dog!

Contest Rules: 

The contest is open to all Clark County students currently in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade.  You must write, in 100 words or less, why you think your dog is the Top Dog in Clark County. You will be judged on your essay.  The dog and the student must live in Clark County.  Only one entry per student.  Please PRINT or TYPE clearly. Each entry must have: Student’s name, Full Address, Telephone  Number, School, Teacher’s Name, Grade and Name(s) of Parent or Guardian. Entries must be the sole work of the contestant. Entries must be received in the Clark County Auditor’s Office by 4 P.M. November 20, 2009.  Entries may be mailed to the Auditor’s Office, P.O. Box 1325, Springfield OH 45501, or hand delivered to the Auditor’s Office at 31 N. Limestone Street, Springfield, Ohio.  The Top Dog will receive the #1 Dog Tag for 2010 and the 2nd and 3rd place dogs will awarded free special heart shaped dog tag valued at $30.00.

Download Top Dog Essay Form

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This list will contain the names of owners of all lands upon which the real estate taxes, assessments, recoupment charges, penalties and interest, or either, remain unpaid at the August 2009 tax settlement, and still remain unpaid.

An interest charge will accrue on accounts remaining unpaid after the last day of November 2009 unless the taxpayer enters a written Delinquent Contract to pay such taxes in installments.

Installment payments may be made in accordance with a written Delinquent Contract with the Clark County Treasurer.

Installment payments WILL NOT prevent the publication of the balance of unpaid taxes, assessments, recoupment charges, penalties and interest.

PREVENTION OF PUBLICATION

Payment of taxes, assessments, recoupment charges, interest and penalties, IN FULL, if made no later than 4:30 p.m. on the 9th day of October, 2009 will eliminate those land owners names from publication on October 14, 2009, and payments made no later than 4:30 p.m. on the 16th day of October, 2009 will prevent publication on October 21, 2009.

GEORGE A. SODDERS

County Auditor, Clark County, Ohio

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“There was much controversy surrounding the revaluation of real estate required by the state for values effective on January 1, 2007. Needless-to-say, those values reflected market conditions that existed prior to slumping values in home prices starting in 2007. Misinformation, ax grinding, and just plain old political posturing left taxpayers confused about their property values,” Sodders explained.

“Our options are to either wait until the mandated Ohio triennial update in 2010 or adjust values now to reflect changing market conditions over the past two years. I have chosen not to wait because we have the resources to act now, and we should,” Sodders said.

“Our investment in technology, including a computer-assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) system enables us to respond more quickly to changing markets. In addition, we have integrated our CAMA system with our geographical information (GIS) system, including aerial and street-level photography. We now have all the tools to more economically pursue and achieve property tax equity for all property owners in our county,” Sodders emphasized.

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The Local Government Fund is funded by 3.68 percent of all state General Revenue Fund tax sources.   Sodders received the estimate from the Ohio Department of Taxation late last week.

“Keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates and are likely to change,” Sodders said.   ”For example, the total estimate given to the commission last year fell short by more than $200,000 and this year’s actual receipts are below estimate,” Sodders explained.

“As tax receipts continue to decline in the state’s General Revenue Fund, local government receipts will continue to slide, Sodders concluded.

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