CLEVELAND — Property values in Cuyahoga County are increasing by an average of 32%, according to the results of a reappraisal.
So what does that mean for your wallet?
In a release, Cuyahoga County officials noted that "an increase in property valuation does not necessarily mean property taxes will increase. However, many property owners will see higher tax bills."
State law mandates that Cuyahoga County perform a property reappraisal every six years "to determine the value of all properties within the County." Officials note that over the last few months, fiscal officers and state-licensed appraisers reviewed all properties across the county, considering factors like market trends, property upgrades, and neighborhood characteristics.
The largest increase in home values in Cuyahoga County is East Cleveland at 67%, just ahead of Linndale and Newburgh Heights at 66%. The smallest increase is Hunting Valley's 15%.
"The reappraisal process is vital to our communities. Property valuations determine property taxes, which fund schools, parks, libraries, local government, and other essential public services," said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne in a statement. "But changes in property taxes can have a significant impact on homeowners. We are providing detailed information and tools to help residents navigate these changes and challenge incorrect valuations. We will also ensure that all of our residents have access to resources that can help alleviate the financial challenges associated with higher tax bills."
So what are some of those resources that can help?
Cuyahoga County property owners can expect to receive property valuations in the mail soon. You can estimate your new property taxes using the county's calculator here.
The county is hosting four informational sessions to discuss the reappraisal process, updated valuations, and property taxes. Click here for the dates, times, and locations.
Additional resources for residents, including the Homestead Exemption, Military Deferment, and Owner Occupancy Credit can be found here.
Cuyahoga County Treasurer Brad Cromes told Signal Cleveland's Nick Castele that a taxpayer assistance program is in the works and likely to happen sometime in the fall. The aid would be aimed at seniors and people who are behind on their taxes. It would include housing and financial counseling.
How you can file a complaint
Once they receive their proposed valuations, property owners can ask the Appraisal Department to reconsider by filing for an informal review by Aug. 30. Informal reviews will be completed in November.
Click here to file online.
You can also deliver your complaint in person or by mail to the following address:
- Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office
- Cuyahoga County Administrative Building
- 2079 East 9th Street, 3rd Floor
- Cleveland, Ohio 44145
When filing your complaint, you must have the at least one of the following documents:
- An appraisal report completed within the last 36 months (photocopy)
- A purchase agreement and closing statement (photocopy)
- Construction costs of a new dwelling, certified by the builder
- Certified estimates from a contractor for repairs cited as a reason for the change in value
- Photographs of property showing structural damage and estimates for repair
A formal tax complaint process will be held between Jan. 1 and March 31 of next year.
Residents react
Meanwhile, some residents are grappling with the knowledge that their property taxes are going up significantly.
Frank Lucas, a homeowner in Garfield Heights, says he was outraged when he opened his property appraisal letter Thursday afternoon. On average, property in Garfield Heights was appraised 32% higher.
Before the new appraisals rolled out, Lucas' home was valued at $68,400. According to Cuyahoga County, it's now appraised at $115,100.
As a retired resident with a fixed income, Lucas says he felt panic thinking through what this would mean for his taxes. He says he went to the county website to use the property tax calculator, and even with the state Homestead Exemption for residents over 65, his property taxes jumped from $1,499.80 to $2,898.82.
“On [the county's] website they said, the thing that gets me, is they say 'well the amount of your tax increase may go down a little or up a little even after you use our calculator.' Better not go up anymore, cause you know what, I’ll be filing bankruptcy and selling this house,” said Lucas.
He is now gathering materials and documentation showing necessary home repairs in hopes the county will reappraise his house at a lower value.