Franklin County auditor reports triannual property-value update; Canal Winchester median values rose about 7—8%

A representative of the Franklin County Auditor's office told Canal Winchester City Council on June 15 that the county's triannual property-value update shows median values in Canal Winchester rose about 7—8% since the 2023 reappraisal, compared with a roughly 10% increase countywide.

Steve Gerald, deputy chief of staff for real estate at the auditor's office, explained the update methodology: the office analyzes arm's-length sales by neighborhood (excluding apparent flips or non-market sales), applies neighborhood-level adjustments and submits its work to the Ohio Department of Taxation for review. Gerald said notices would be mailed to affected property owners within days and that an online "Know Your Home Value" tool is available for residents to compare local sales and estimate tax effects.

Gerald emphasized that a uniform rise in values does not automatically raise taxes: taxing districts' levy rates and distribution determine tax bills. He described the county's mediation program (staff-level review and mediation before Board of Revision appeals) and said residents dissatisfied with their updated value may request a review or file an appeal to the county Board of Revision; the formal appeal deadline was noted in the presentation materials.

Council members asked about local in-person review locations; Gerald said the auditor's office is offering multiple locations around the county for appointments and provided a direct phone number and email for follow-up.

Why it matters: Value updates affect property-tax calculations and local revenue distributions; the county presentation offered residents instructions for review, mediation and formal appeals and provided transparency on how values were determined.

Speakers quoted: Steve Gerald (Franklin County Auditor's office).