OUNT VERNON — The property tax rates for Knox County have been calculated by the state of Ohio, and are in the hands of the Knox County Auditor’s staff.
Auditor Margaret Ann Ruhl said her staff is entering the rates into the county computer system, and the new rates should be available to be seen on the auditor’s Web site by the end of this week.
“We’re working with the treasurer’s office to get it in the system,” Ruhl said. “The treasurer then sends it to their printer, and the treasurer decides when they’re due.”
Ruhl said the increase in home values across the county varies by district, as does the additional millage figured into the tax calculations. Therefore, the complicated equations are done by the state for each tax district. But no matter where one lives in Knox County, Ruhl said, “your taxes are probably going up.”
Since the notices of new values were received by property owners last month, the auditor’s office heard from many homeowners who questioned the increased values of their homes in the struggling economy.
“We have received 124 official complaints,” Ruhl said. “We did review many, but I don’t think we’ve made very many changes.”
Ruhl said she expects more people will file complaints once they receive their new tax bills next month.
“They have until March 31 to file a complaint,” she said. “The form is available on the Internet, or in our office.”
Although the increase in property values in the county will raise taxes, according to Ruhl, another reason the rates have gone up is the recent election.
“They have to remember part of the reasons their taxes went up is because they voted in levies,” she said.
