Treasurer extends tax due date

SANDUSKY — Earlier this week, the Erie County treasurer's office announced that the second-half real estate tax due date was extended from Wednesday, July 15 to Wednesday, July 29. The delay, which is occurring statewide, is a result of state legislative changes that attempted to curtail spikes that resulted from property revaluations. "The good news is that some taxpayers will see modest relief in their second half tax bills," county treasurer Caleb Stidham said. "While we are still understanding the impacts of all the recently passed legislation, my hope is that more meaningful relief will be forthcoming, and we can avoid the extreme increases of the past few years. It's safe to say that much more work remains to provide needed relief to taxpayers" Tax bills will be mailed this week and should arrive no later than next week for taxpayers countywide. Those who escrow their taxes with a mortgage company should contact their mortgage company with any questions. Taxpayers with significant credits as a result of the recent legislation will receive a refund check next month. The Ohio General Assembly has approved more than a half-dozen bills in the last 18 months to reform the property tax system. The delay in tax bills results from House Bill 186, which retroactively grants a credit to taxpayers to ensure that the increased revenue to some school districts is capped to the rate of inflation. Taxpayers receiving the credit will see an "inflation cap credit" on their tax bill. In Erie County, House Bill 186 impacts properties located in the Bellevue, Edison, Firelands, Huron, Monroeville and Vermilion school districts. Those who live in other area school districts — namely Margaretta, Perkins, and Sandusky — will not see a reduction in their second-half bill resulting. Those with questions about the inflation cap credit can call the treasurer's office at 419-627-7701 or email the office at treasurer@eriecounty.oh.gov.