CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Ross County Auditor Jeff Lehner announced that the county’s state-mandated 2025 property reappraisal is nearly complete, with tentative 2026 property values scheduled to be posted on the Auditor’s website Friday, September 5.
From Monday, September 22, through Friday, September 26, Ross County property owners will have the opportunity to schedule informal in-person or telephone meetings with the Auditor’s office and appraisal representatives to discuss their tentative valuations. More details will be released in the coming weeks.
The reappraisal, which is required by Ohio law every three years, covers all property types — residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial — and is designed to ensure that each property reflects current market value. Lehner noted that the process helps maintain fairness in how the local tax burden is distributed among property owners and investors.
The Auditor’s office has already completed about 90% of data entry related to new construction, additions, and alterations. Once the final updates are processed, the tentative valuations will be available for public review before final submission later this year.
Lehner also addressed questions from residents about higher prepay tax amounts from the Treasurer’s office, explaining that the increases are directly tied to upcoming property tax bills in January 2026. He emphasized that Ohio’s tax system is structured to tax unrealized property value gains, an issue he said requires legislative action.
Ross County’s general fund property tax rate remains at 2.4 mills, down from 3.1 mills, following action by the County Budget Commission. Lehner noted that further rate reductions would require additional steps from county commissioners.
This reappraisal also includes Ross County’s first comprehensive update of commercial property values since 2007. Lehner said the update should improve fairness across the tax base and could be further strengthened if the Ohio General Assembly expands local authority to address cyclical tax spikes.
