Franklin County Auditor Ohio

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Franklin County Auditor in Ohio (Updated for 2019)

 

 

About Franklin County

Located virtually in the middle of the Buckeye State (see map below), Franklin County, named after American Founding Father, statesman, scientist, and inventor Benjamin Franklin in 1803, is the third-most common county name in the United States today, but there are a number of things that set this one apart from its counterparts elsewhere.

Following its founding in 1803 (just two months after Ohio’s statehood), Franklin County and Columbus grew quickly, and the population of its largest municipality, Columbus, was sufficient to officially elevate it to city status by 1834. After the American Civil War, the county continued to experience sustained growth and today, with a population of more than 1.3 million people, Franklin County is the most populous county in Ohio and its county seat in Columbus which is also the state capital and most populous city.

At present, Franklin County is comprised of 16 cities, 10 villages, and 17 townships that boast 333 properties and districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including three National Historic Landmarks.  Besides numerous historic sites of interest throughout Franklin County, the capital city Columbus has plenty of interesting and entertaining things to see and do as well. In fact, Columbus boasts 19 Metro Parks that feature more than 200 miles of hiking and bike trails.

Moreover, the capital is home to top-rated entertainment venues including the world-class Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Likewise, the locals and tourists alike flock to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) sits aside the Scioto River in the Franklinton neighborhood. In addition, the Columbus Museum of Art is a popular destination for avid art lovers – in fact everyone — enjoys the Gallery Hop, a monthly celebration located the Short North Arts District.

The Franklin County government structure includes 39 appointed boards, commissions, and committees 33 agencies, and 42 independently elected officials and the Franklin County Commissioners’ office manage a budget that exceeds $1 annually. An integral part of the government operations in Franklin County is its auditor, Mr. Michael Stinziano, whose role is described below.

Role of the Franklin County Auditor

Following a long career in city, state and county governments, including several years as director of the Franklin County Board of Elections, five years as a state representative in the Ohio General Assembly, president pro tem of the Columbus City Council, numerous state boards and councils, the current Franklin County Auditor, Mr. Michael Stinziano, assumed office on March 11, 2019.  Besides serving as an adjunct law professor at Capital University Law School, he also teaches courses on legislation.

The general role of the Franklin County Auditor is to “process and provide accurate information and services in a timely, cost-effective manner to all individuals, businesses, and governmental agencies in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.” More specifically, the auditor’s office processes revenue, budgetary, accounts payable and payroll transactions for all county fiscal matters.

Moreover, the auditor’s office actively solicits feedback from county residents and business owners concerning issues of mutual interest and concern. For example, besides several contacts points listed on the auditor’s Website, the Franklin County Auditor also maintains a social media presence on Twitter and Facebook to keep in close contact with his constituents. Further, the auditor’s office has a formal commitment to continuous improvement.

One of the auditor’s other important roles is maintaining a user-friendly Web site where consumers and businesses in Franklin County can find the information they need and transact business with the county online whenever possible. To this end, the auditor’s Web site features a comprehensive real estate page wherein interested parties can search for land parcels in Franklin County, inquire concerning property tax rates, tax reduction programs (including homestead exemptions), property appraisals and to arrange for property transfers and conveyances.

The auditor’s Website also includes links for various licensure requirements including dogs and kennels, retails vendors, and even junk yards together with all of the requisite forms consumers need to complete their online applications.

In addition, besides annual verification inspections, the auditor also provides useful information and links for weights and measurements in Franklin County, including retail devices, gas station fuel meters, mulch, firewood, price verification systems (i.e., UPC scanners), packages (i.e., deli foods, meat and/or food that is packaged) and taxicab meters.

Finally, the Franklin County Auditor’s Web site also features a Fiscal page that provides timely information concerning personal property taxes and taxes for manufactured housing. as well as online copies of the county’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports dating back to 2004.

Franklin County Auditor Contact Information

Full Address

Mr. Michael Stinziano

373 South High Street, No. 21

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Phone

Phone: (614) 525-4663

Email

AuditorStinziano@franklincountyohio.gov.

Hours of Operation

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekday

Conclusion

The citizens and businesses of Franklin County, Ohio are fortunate to have the professional auditing services provided by Mr. Michael Stinziano, a distinguished lawyer and career government official who has served in a number of important capacities over the past 20 years. In his role as county auditor, Mr. Stinziano ensure that all fiscal matters in the county are properly administered, and that all information presented on his office’s Web site is accurate and up to date. Finally, and to his credit, the incumbent has transformed the auditor’s office into a modern workplace that places a high priority on continuous improvement and respect for employee and constituent feedback.