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Huron County auditor outlines potential revenue impacts from homestead changes, HB 96 options and 27th pay
Summary
Auditor Roland Tkach told commissioners that a Norwalk homeowner—s homestead exemption saved $429.34 and presented a county-level scenario in which optional changes tied to House Bill 96 could reduce local revenues by an estimated $742,591; he also reviewed 20-mil floor concerns for school funding, sales-tax totals and planning for a 27th payroll in 2026.
Auditor Roland Tkach briefed the Huron County Board of Commissioners on potential local revenue impacts tied to homestead exemptions and options under House Bill 96.
Tkach said the calculation for a Norwalk homestead-exempt property showed a savings of $429.34 "which was reimbursed by the state of Ohio," and that, in a scenario where a county-level piggyback homestead change was enacted, line-item revenue reductions could include $47,639 to the City of Norwalk, $83,350 to the county, $12,312 to MHAS, $109,723 to the Huron County Board of Developmental Disabilities, $13,690 to 911, $10,370 to the senior center, $327,390 to Norwalk Schools, $118,725 to EHOVE and $19,392 to the Huron County Health Department. He summarized those items as a total shortfall of $742,591 under that hypothetical.
Tkach emphasized that the state-level homestead exemption remains in place and that the county-level option would be discretionary: "If you do nothing the state still has the homestead exemption," he said, and he warned the board the legislature—s approach changes how relief is funded. Commissioner Tom Dunlap asked for clarification about current provisions; Tkach said the county option could shift revenue away from other local entities without them having an opportunity to be heard.
Tkach also reviewed a briefing sheet on a possible 20-mil floor affecting school district taxes and reported on the county's sales-tax revenue and expenses. He told the board the 27th pay will occur in 2026, estimating the last such payroll was about $495,000, and recommended continuing to set aside funds and transferring the necessary amount into the general fund once 2026 raises are determined.
Commissioners did not take immediate action on the homestead options during the session but indicated they were consulting other counties and evaluating the feasibility of any change.
The board adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
