Wayne County Auditor's Office

09/03/2026

We are thankful for the invitation to return to the Woo and Wayco podcast to discuss property tax reform, 2nd half tax bills, and the status of Wayne County's 2026 Reappraisal..

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5LJ7FdmF82OfEnNpTqIdl1?si=SjJX00NZTlGo9ssXeTs4kg&utm_source=copy-link

07/31/2026

Wayne County Auditor Russell Robertson and Wayne County Treasurer Melissa Koch are pleased to announce that Wayne County has successfully claimed unclaimed funds on behalf of the county.

The process to recover the funds was initiated in December 2025 through a collaborative effort between the Wayne County Auditor's Office and the Wayne County Treasurer's Office. Following several months of review and processing by the State of Ohio, the claim was approved in June 2026 resulting in the return of $25,876.91 to Wayne County.

Unclaimed funds are money that has been turned over to the State of Ohio after becoming inactive or remaining unclaimed for a period of time. These funds may come from sources such as outstanding checks, refunds, deposits, or other financial accounts where the rightful owner could not be located.

Recovering these funds ensures that money belonging to Wayne County is returned and available to help provide county services. It also serves as an important reminder to residents and businesses that they may have unclaimed funds available to them.

Residents can search for unclaimed funds through the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds website.

When searching, residents should search multiple variations of their name, including maiden names or previous business names.

For more information and to search for unclaimed funds, visit the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds website.

07/23/2026

Find helpful information regarding Wayne County's 2026 Reappraisal.

Below you will find information regarding Wayne County's 2026 Reappraisal, how to find your proposed value, and next steps available to you.

07/17/2026

Wayne County is nearing the completion of its 2026 Reappraisal.

Watch your mailbox, as postcards were mailed to property owners this afternoon.

Follow the QR code or go to www.waynecountyauditor.org to
1. Get more information about the 2026 Reappraisal
2. Find your Proposed Property Value
3. Learn what next steps are available to you.

07/06/2026

**Important Information - Please Share**

The Wayne County Treasurer's Office has mailed the 2026 second-half real estate tax bills as of Monday, July 6, 2026. The due date for payment is Thursday, July 30, 2026.

The mailing of this year's second-half tax bills was delayed due to the implementation of Ohio House Bill 186 (HB 186), which required counties to incorporate new calculations, including the application of Inflation Cap Credits, before tax bills could be finalized and mailed.

The Wayne County Treasurer’s and Auditor’s Office appreciate the patience and understanding of county residents while these new legislative requirements were implemented to ensure tax bills were calculated accurately.

Payment may be made by mail, in person at the Wayne County Treasurer's Office, or through the Treasurer's website at www.waynecountytreasurer.org.

06/18/2026

🏠 POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR HOMESTEAD RECIPIENTS

More than 6,000 Wayne County homeowners currently enrolled in Ohio's Homestead Exemption program could receive additional property tax relief if House Bill 479 is signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine.

HB 479 directs $350 million from the State of Ohio's budget surplus to provide a one-time enhancement to Homestead Exemption recipients. Eligible homeowners could receive an estimated $450-$500 in additional property tax savings, which would be applied to 2027 first-half property tax bills.

What is the Homestead Exemption?

The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of a qualifying home by $29,000, resulting in lower property taxes.

You may qualify if you:
✅ Own and occupy your home as your primary residence
✅ Are age 65 or older, permanently and totally disabled, a qualifying surviving spouse, or a 100% disabled veteran
✅ Have an Ohio Adjusted Gross Income of $41,000 or less (income limits do not apply to qualifying disabled veterans)

If you think you may qualify for the Homestead Exemption, please contact the Wayne County Auditor's Office for more information.

📞 330-287-5430
🌐 www.waynecountyauditor.org

HB 479 has passed the Ohio General Assembly and is awaiting action by Governor DeWine.

06/15/2026

The Wayne County Auditor's Office is happy to announce that our new 2026 aerial imagery is now available on our website GIS.

You can find it by (1) going to the Base Map Gallery tool on the upper right and (2) selecting 2026. You'll be able to view 12 separate years of aerial flights, dating back to 2006.

06/09/2026

Did you know, each year, the Wayne County Auditor's Office tests approximately 1,300 fuel pumps/devices, ensuring their accuracy?

When the new Madisonburg Bell Store opens this Thursday, rest assured that all pumps have been tested and sealed.

06/08/2026

It was an honor to lead a discussion about Property Reappraisals, Property Taxes, and Property Tax Reform at today's Wooster Rotary Club meeting.

Thanks to all in attendance and for the thoughtful questions.

05/27/2026

Wayne County was recently recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This follows the GFOA's review of Wayne County's 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (AFCR).

The 2024 AFCR, as well as many other financial reports, may be viewed on the Wayne County Auditor's website at https://waynecountyauditor.org/Posts?category=Budgetary%20Accounting, or by going to the INFO drop down and selecting Budgetary Accounting.