Don’t panic.
This was the crux of the message delivered by Lucas County Auditor Katie Moline on Friday as she unveiled the 2024 revaluations for all properties in the county. Values increased an average of 29.5 percent, which as increases in valuations go is “one of the larger ones” she has seen. She stressed, however, the revaluation does not automatically trigger a tax increase.
“The revaluation process is not designed to either increase or decrease your property taxes,” she said. “House Bill 920 keeps your property taxes from increasing dollar for dollar when property value updates. Large swings in property taxes occur only when new levies or replacement levies are passed by the vote of the citizens.”
Ms. Moline noted that Lucas County’s revaluation figures comport with those released by other Ohio counties. Cuyahoga County’s property values increased by 32 percent, while Ottawa County’s went up 33 percent.
To view a property’s valuation, visit the auditor’s website at: co.lucas.oh.us/377/AREIS-Information.
Property owners who believe that the value of their home was miscalculated can file online for an informal property value review or contact the auditor’s office.
Dawne Garrett lives on Starr Avenue in East Toledo. Three years ago, the house she lives in was assessed at $42,200. Today's revaluation puts that figure at $51,500, a 22 percent increase.
"This has me nervous," she said. "Things are tight enough as they are. I'm a little scared to see what new taxes they're going to be asking for."
Other people, who view Toledo’s real estate values in comparison to values in other parts of the country, may be less concerned about the possibility of a tax hike down the road.
Brian Carroll is a first-time Lucas County homeowner. Five years ago, he moved from the Pacific Northwest to a home near Beverly Elementary School. His home there is much more affordable than a similar home would be on the West Coast.
“Taxes are much lower in Toledo than they are in areas where there is a lot of new construction,” he said.
Property owners aren't the only people who may be affected by the new assessments.
Cheryl Catlin lives in an apartment on Lockwood Avenue in Toledo.
"I'm assuming that this is going to raise my rent," she said. "If the cost goes up for the apartment owner, he'll pass that on to me."
Despite her concerns, though, Ms. Catlin is philosophical about the fact that sometimes taxes have to go up.
"If taxes go up for a good reason, as long as it benefits the whole county, I understand. It's inevitable," she said.
Rob Pasker, a real estate broker and owner of Pasker Real Estate, is not overly concerned about the potential effects of the revaluation on his business.
"It's hard to avoid taxes," he said. "They're part of life here. But regardless of taxes, people are still going to purchase property. Fortunately, we have going for us the fact that Toledo is one of the most affordable real estate markets in the country.”
Mr. Pasker also noted that there is a pathway to challenging the revaluation, which he encouraged people to use if they disagree with the county's assessment.
First Published September 13, 2024, 3:55 p.m.
