Fairfield County auditor explains property-tax reform, homestead changes and what homeowners should expect

Carrie Brown, Fairfield County auditor, told a Pickerington Local town‑hall audience that recent Ohio property‑tax reform will make future home‑tax bills more predictable by capping valuation‑driven growth for unvoted (inside) millage at inflation. “You won’t see spikes anymore based upon the valuation of homes because it’s capped at inflation,” Brown said, while noting exact Department of Taxation guidance on calculation was still pending.

Brown outlined three chief effects residents should expect: a phased increase in the owner‑occupancy credit (rising from the current 2.5% toward 15% across tax years through 2030), an inflation cap on reappraisals for inside/unvoted millage beginning in tax year 2026, and a likely increase in the number of levies appearing on ballots because voted levies remain the primary mechanism for revenue increases. “The side effect is you’re likely going to see more levies on the ballot,” she said.

Brown also reviewed how tax revenue flows locally and what residents can do if they believe a valuation is incorrect. She described the county’s general‑fund and all‑funds figures (general fund about $70.8 million; all funds about $220 million) and said property taxes represent a major revenue source (about $50.8 million on the all‑funds view). She clarified that taxes paid to Pickerington go to Pickerington: “If you are paying a rate towards Pickerington, it only goes to Pickerington,” Brown said.

On appeals and relief, Brown said the state‑administered homestead program is income‑eligible and handled through the auditor’s office, and that late or corrected homestead applications can be adjusted retroactively by the Department of Taxation. She urged homeowners who question their valuation to use the auditor’s informal meetings or file a Board of Revision complaint (deadline March 31) with supporting evidence such as an appraisal. “The subject of a Board of Revision is only the valuation of your home,” she said.

Brown described local timing differences for reappraisals (sexennial and triennial schedules) and noted that Fairfield County completed its sexennial update in 2025. She attributed large recent bill increases primarily to market activity — recent sales and new construction raised statistical valuations — and said that, while the cap reduces future spikes, it does not retroactively change past bills.

The auditor also listed county services (warrants and payroll, transfers for about 70,000 parcels, GIS/911 support, weights and measures testing) and highlighted two technology improvements — DocuLink and an electronic lot‑split application — she said have improved service and shortened processing times.

Audience members pressed Brown on specifics (how inflation will be measured, TIF/school compensation agreements, and how new construction affects valuations). Brown said rules for tax‑increment financing and school compensation agreements are set in each TIF agreement and that the auditor receives those agreements after they are adopted. She repeatedly emphasized the auditor’s role as an evaluator of market activity, not as a policymaker on levy decisions.

Next steps Brown cited: the Department of Taxation guidance expected in April (for calculation details), continued informal valuation meetings, and the Board of Revision filing deadline of March 31 for those who wish to contest valuations.

The town hall closed with organizers offering follow‑up contact information and a reminder to consult the auditor’s website for FAQs and application materials.