What to know about Summit County property value reappraisals and how to appeal
Summit County property values are increasing 40% or more in some communities as part of the reappraisal process that happens every three years.
The Summit County Fiscal Office began mailing notices for reappraisal values Aug. 1 and has now posted them online, according to a press release.
Officials are anticipating that a surge of homeowners, even more than the unprecedented number that complained after the 2020 reappraisal, will challenge their new property tax bills due starting Jan. 1.
Where can I find my Summit County property value?
New values are now posted at https://tinyurl.com/yc2an9d7. Select "2023 Current Owner" and enter your information.
In-depth: Historic property value and tax increases will hit some Summit County communities harder
Which communities in Summit County will see the highest increases in property values?
Property values are increasing 44% in Coventry — the community with the biggest jump in the county. Clinton is second with a 43% increase.
The total value of residential property is jumping 40% in Akron and Mogadore and 39% in Barberton, communities with modestly priced homes.
Why are the reappraisals happening in Summit County?
Every three years, state law requires Ohio’s 88 counties to reset the value of all properties. The new values determine the portion that individual property owners and entire communities pay to fund school districts, libraries, drug addiction and mental health programs, zoos, metro parks, local governments and more.
How are the property values determined?
In Summit County, the 2020 reappraisal involved a comprehensive sexennial (or six-year) update based not only on property sales data but a physical check of every property. This year’s triennial (or three-year) update relies solely on a year's worth of sales data.
Community meetings planned
In-person meetings with Fiscal Office staff to answer questions will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. at the following locations:
Aug. 15: Barberton Active Adult Center; 500 W. Hopocan Ave.
Aug. 16: Stow City Hall Council Chambers; 3760 Darrow Road
Aug. 22: Tallmadge Community Center Hall; 80 Community Road
Aug. 23: Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center; 3486 S. Smith Road
Aug. 29: Twinsburg Community Center; 10260 Ravenna Road
Aug. 30: Firestone Park Community Center; 1480 Girard St., Akron
Sept. 5: Cuyahoga Falls Lions Park Lodge; 641 Silver Lake Ave.
Sept. 19: Green Central Park Community Hall; 1755 Town Park Blvd.
Sept. 20: Richfield Village Hall Council Chambers; 4410 W Streetsboro Road
Can I appeal my property's value?
Yes, but you must wait until January.
First, the Fiscal Office will be hosting informational meetings throughout the county to address concerns,
Fiscal Office staff will be available to address questions and concerns in one of three ways: virtually, via phone call, or in person at community meeting locations. Appointments can be made at https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/ by selecting 2023 Reappraisal Meeting. Property owners will have the ability to attach any documents or files they would like an appraiser to review in advance of their scheduled meeting
If you still are not in agreement with your new value, homeowners can file a complaint with the Summit County Board of Revision.
"When a complaint is filed, the Board of Revision will hold a hearing, consider all testimony or evidence provided, and issue a decision on whether an adjustment should be made to the property valuation," Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise wrote recently. "The strongest types of evidence to support a value change are a private appraisal, evidence of property damage and or condition, comparable sales or a final purchase agreement.
Property owners who wish to dispute their 2023 property value may file a complaint form with the Board of Revision beginning Jan. 1 through March 31.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Summit County Fiscal Office: Property values increasing; how to appeal
