News & Events

 Good day to all!

 I certainly hope everyone is gearing up for the early Spring that was predicted.

As I have crisscrossed and interfaced with many residents in Washington Township two pertinent issues are on their minds:

•  1. The increase in their property taxes 
•  2. Ditto for the cost of electricity. 

Two cost items that has a direct impact on living comfortably in your home. Since elected officials seem to not want to resolve neither issue, I will do my best to educate on both matters.

Before I address the property tax increase let me first discuss an indirect matter that is out of our township. Question –How many of you travel US 52 (four lane) between New Richmond and the terminus of US 52 at 275???. The roadway at best needs a repair fix. My question to ODOT ----When is this portion of US 52 going to be repaved----Answer as of today ---it is tentatively scheduled for Calendar Year 2028. My answer to them by 2028 I will need a horse and buggy to travel the roadway as it will be gravel if the fix is that long in coming. If you feel as I do when travelling this section road I encourage a call to ODOT at 513-933-6568 or 513-933-6691 and let them know we do not want to digress to horse and buggy days.

Let us discuss property taxes. We all know each property is different. Clermont County where we live Property Values rose 30% and taxes on average went up 17%. County Auditors conduct a full a full appraisal every six years for tax purposes and update each appraisal every three years based on market data. So where does the money go? Check your bill ---Clermont County 58% of property tax revenue goes to schools. Much smaller % goes to local governments (Washington Township). Mills are the measurement by which Ohio governments calculate levies. They’re one-thousandth of a dollar or $1 for every $1000 of assessed value. A home is taxed on 35% of the appraised value. The Ohio General Assembly has attempted to solve the rising cost to home owners to NO avail. HB 187 attempted to change how home values are calculated –the Senate turned the bill into an expansion of the homestead exemption for low-income people who are elderly or disabled ---the bill at this point is likely dead. There are no other bills pending to assist homeowners alleviating the burden of actually owning a home.

If you disagree and would like to challenge your property’s final value, you may do so by contacting the Auditor’s office (513-732-7150) and filing a complaint to value of real property. The deadline for submitting the form is April 1st, 2024.

My next communication will involve the rising electric bills we all received and a update on the most corrupt piece of legislation ever passed in the state of Ohio HB6 plus those who are now in prison and some that were recently indicted

Have a great day and stay safe as we all get out and start doing Spring chores---Dennis Cooper