Lake County Treasurer’s Office notes record property tax collection

The Lake County Treasurer’s Office this week reported a record property tax collection for 2023.

Considering that valuations have not changed except for property sales and small levies, Zuren believes the increased collections are the result of “numerous efforts” to better reach taxpayers, which have included additional mailings and social media posts.

“We coordinated with numerous grant programs, including Save the Dream (launched in April 2022 by the Ohio Housing Financing Agency), which assisted homeowners,” Zuren said. “Numerous property owners in Lake County were approved for the program offered through Lifeline, Inc.”

Initiatives also included enhancements to the treasurer’s website, the implementation of a QR code and paperless statements.

Moreover, Zuren partnered with Lake County Auditor Chris Galloway holding countywide presentations for seniors, residents and students at local senior centers, libraries and schools centered on financial literacy and identity theft.

“Addressing effective communication to taxpayers has made a significant difference with the collections,” Zuren said, noting delinquencies have decreased by roughly $5.3 million from January 2022 to January 2023.

“Expanded payment options, phone and email communication to update mailing addresses when a mortgage is refinanced or paid off, ensuring the tax bill is sent to the responsible party, and tracking down the correct mailing address for taxpayers who own non-buildable parcels, mobile homes, and vacant land has resulted in positive results,” he added. “Some of the delinquencies were simply oversights (by homeowners) created by refinancing or paying off their mortgages, thereby changing the bank or individual responsible to pay the property taxes.

“Our goal is to become streamlined and efficient with a culture that we are here to serve the public and assist and help all homeowners,” Zuren said. “The last thing we want to do is foreclose on someone’s home. If you or someone you know is struggling to pay their annual property taxes, please contact us.”

For more information, visit www.lakecountyohio.gov/treasurer/ or call 440-350-2516.

Follow Us