The Due Diligence - Coshocton County

ISSUE 21
4TH QUARTER 2014
The Due Diligence
The Coshocton County Auditor’s Newsletter
Christine
. Sycks, County Auditor
From the Desk of….
Chris Sycks, Coshocton
County Auditor
Inside This Issue:
From the Auditor’s Desk.………….….....1
County Payroll News….............................2
Dates & Deadlines, Spotlight on Help Me
Grow…...………………………...……..3
OPERS Video Series on YouTube, County
Website Resources………………...…...4
Ohio Ethics Law Training, Welcomes and
Farewells at Juvenile Court…...……….5
RVLSD Receives Awards, Chief Deputy
Auditor Organizes Animal Shelter
Supplies Drive…………........................6
New Address Procedure, JFS Building
Renovation…………………………......7
State Online Checkbook, MWCD
Decreasing Special Assessment..…..….8
Auds & Ends, CAUV Values Not
Increasing in Coshocton County,
March’s Weights & Measures Week....9
New Levy Costs, Congratulations to Larry
Boal’s Nephew, Pets for Adoption,
Auditor’s Staff Gets Creative for United
Way ………………..…….………….10
CAUV Audit Underway, Safe Communities Happy Hour……..…..………….11
Litter Office Moved, Homestead &
Veterans Homestead…..…………….12
***CONTACT INFORMATION
COSHOCTON COUNTY AUDITOR
Christine Sycks
Coshocton County Auditor
Courthouse Annex
349 Main Street
Coshocton, OH 43812
(740) 622-1243
GENERAL WEBSITE:
www.coshoctoncounty.net/agency/auditor
REAL ESTATE SEARCH WEBSITE:
www.coshcoauditor.org
EDITED BY: Chris Sycks
CONTRIBUTORS: Tami Brenneman,
Mindy Fehrman, Christy Mosier, Doug
Schonauer, Dalton Summers, Chris Sycks,
and Susan Willeke.
PROOFREADER: Deana Tumblin
New Beginnings
I want to start this with an apology for being the first time the Due
Diligence was not published on the first day of the new quarter. On my
shelf in my office is a frame that contains the saying “If you want to make
God laugh, tell Him your plans.” The year 2015 did not begin as I had
planned. The reason I am late in issuing this is that I have had a family
emergency and have been and will be spending a lot of my time being
where I need to be for that. I am checking my emails regularly, and while I
am not in my office full time, I am in when I can. I still want to practice an
open door policy for the taxpayers, but you may want to call ahead for the
next few months to be sure I will be in (or to make an appointment) before
you drop in to see me.
The year 2015 is now well underway, and while we all face life’s
challenges, it also contains a lot of new beginnings. First, I am honored to
be beginning my new term in March. I am wrapping up the unexpired term
to which I was elected, and it will be my first full term after running
unopposed. I am excited to be able to continue to serve Coshocton County
and its citizens as your County Auditor. Thank you for your support and
those courtesy votes!
Also new for me is an appointment to serve on the Statewide Legislative
Committee of the County Auditors’ Association of Ohio (CAAO)
representing the Northeast District. As part of this committee, we will be
able to work closely with the Administration and General Assembly to
monitor and suggest legislative proposals which impact local taxpayers and
to encourage policies which positively impact county government.
Something else new for 2015 is the County Auditor’s Facebook Page.
This is another way for us to be able to communicate important and
interesting items concerning our office with the public. Please take time to
check us out at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coshocton-CountyAuditors-Office/684678204895125?ref=aymt_homepage_panel or search
Coshocton County Auditor’s Office on Facebook. I would love it if you
would ‘Like’ our page and invite all your Coshocton County Friends to
‘Like’ us too! The more of a following we have, the more people we can
reach with our news!
Have a blessed New Year! Until next time
~Chris
PAGE 2
THE DUE DILIGENCE
Payroll Page
October - December County
Anniversaries with more than
20 consecutive years
David Selders
33 years
Donald Stroup
31 years
Barbara Babcock
27 years
Timothy Greer
James Priest
24 years
24 years
Rebecca Beiter
Beth Walsh
23 years
23 years
Ronda Barnes
Trudy Corbett
Nancy Foughty
Scott Mast
Douglas Schonauer
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
Tracy Miller
Donna Ryan
21 years
21 years
PLEASE WELCOME COSHOCTON COUNTY’S NEW HIRES:
Hired by the Board of Election:
on 10/13/2014 Dana R. Guilliams.
Hired by Municipal Court:
on 10/14/2014 Teresa L. Liston.
on 11/01/2014 David E. Stucki & Linton D. Lewis.
Hired by Hopewell (Board of DD):
on 10/20/2014 Emily S. Mongiardo.
on 12/01/2014 Rachelle L. Courtright & Charity D. Orr.
on 12/08/2014 Julia N. Dennison.
Hired by Job & Family Services:
on 10/20/2014 Crystal R. Kiser.
Hired by Coshocton County Regional Airport:
on 11/16/2014 McKenna R. Toler.
Hired by the County Treasurer:
on 12/15/2014 Bethany Anglin.
REMINDER TO EMPLOYEES:
Federal Law requires employers to
provide W-2s to their employees
NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31st.
Make sure your correct address is
on file.
Coshocton County’s
W-2s will be included with the
January 31, 2014 payroll checks.
W-4 REVIEW
Has your marital status changed?
Do you have a new baby?
Is your combined household income
different?
Consider updating your W-4. The form
can be found at:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf
REMINDER TO COUNTY
OFFICIALS:
Don’t forget to include the 2015 Wage
Certification Letters for your offices at
the first of the year!
Also – remember we will have 27 pays
in 2015. Elected Officials’ pay as well
as any salaried employees should be
adjusted accordingly (divided by 27
instead of 26 pays for the biweekly
pay)
Congratulations and Best Wishes to Our
Retirees:
Sara E. King, who retired on October 30, 2014 from
Child & Family Health after more than 12 years of
service.
Franc L. Carpenter, who retired on October 30, 2014
from Job & Family Services after more than 25 years of
service.
John B. McKee, who retired on October 31, 2014 from
the Sheriff’s Department after more than 26 years of
service.
Karen J. Burris, who retired on November 28, 2014
from Job & Family Services after more than 22 years of
service.
Linda H. Weber, who retired on November 28, 2014
from the Juvenile/Probate Court after more than 12
years of service.
THE DUE DILIGENCE
PAGE 3
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
Spotlight on. . .
Jan 1 –NEW YEAR’S DAY – Offices
Closed
–(on or about) ‘Certificate of the Total
Amount From All Sources Available
For Expenditures and Balances’ due
at Auditor’s Office from Townships
and Municipalities
–Statutory lien date for tax purposes
COSHOCTON COUNTY HELP ME GROW
Jan 2–Avoid THEN & NOWs by opening up
purchase orders for all contracts or
by opening blanket purchase orders in
all expense accounts
–County pay date (timesheets due
12/26)
Jan 5 –First day to file Current Agricultural
Use Value (CAUV) applications
Jan 6–First day to file Homestead Exemptions,
And 2 ½ % Owner-Occupied
Reduction applications
Jan 12–Fixed Asset and Supplies & Materials
Inventories due at Auditor’s Office
Jan 13–SWCD’s Farmer’s Breakfast “…Drones
in Agriculture”, (Edie Ryan’s 7:30 a.m.)
Jan 14–County bill run (vouchers due 1/6)
Jan 15–“Earth, Craft & Ahhhhhhh”, Clary
Gardens (6:00 p.m.)
Jan 16–County pay date (due 1/9)
Jan 17–Health, Safety & Wellness Expo, Kids
America (see page 6)
Jan 19–MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY –
Offices Closed
Jan 20–School SFY 14 Budgets due at
Auditor’s Office
Jan 22-Chamber of Commerce Quarterly
Luncheon, JH Museum (11:30 a.m.)
Jan 25–“Playground of Color” Exhibit opens,
JH Museum, Roscoe (thru 3/15)
Jan 27–Columbus VA Mobile Medical Unit,
Main & 4th Streets
Jan 28–County bill run (due 1/20)
Jan 30–County pay date (due 1/23)
–Federal Financial Assistance (Grants)
Forms due at Auditor’s Office
–Capital Leases Forms due at Auditor’s
Office
Jan 30–Non-Contributing List due to OPERS
Feb 2–County Budget Commission (2-4 p.m.)
to review SFY 2016 school budgets
–Last day to buy Dog Tag or Kennel
License without penalty
Feb 10–SWCD’s Farmer’s Breakfast “Coshocton Grain: Moving Forward” (Edie
Ryan’s 7:30 a.m.)
Feb 11–County bill run (vouchers due 2/3)
(Continued, next page)
-Submitted by Tami Brenneman, Director of Early
Intervention & Early Intervention Specialist
The Coshocton County Help Me Grow/Early Intervention Program
serves children age birth to three and their families that live in Coshocton
County. There are two components to our program:
Help Me Grow: Help Me Grow can provide pregnant and first time
moms support to help them understand their baby’s development and
answer many questions that they may have through the use of the Parents
As Teachers curriculum. A home visitor meets with the family at least
monthly. Visits consist of activities and providing information on
development and attachment. Developmental screenings are done to see
where a child’s developmental levels are and a referral for Early
Intervention to do a more in-depth evaluation can be made. The home
visitor can also refer to other county agencies that could be of benefit to
the child or family.
Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) is a
recent addition to the Help Me Grow program. The home visitor offers the
same support for moms, as well as the developmental education, parental
education and activities discussed earlier. This addition has allowed the
program to serve families and their children birth to five years of age.
Early Intervention: The Help Me Grow Program is the primary
referral source to the early intervention program. The early intervention
program is housed at Hopewell School and is funded through the
Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The early
intervention team consists of
an early intervention specialist, speech therapist, occupational therapist,
physical therapist and service
coordinator. To be eligible for
early intervention services, an
evaluation is completed with
the family and child to determine if there is a developmental delay in any of the following areas: cognition (problem
solving), expressive & receptive language, gross & fine motor skills,
social/emotional and adaptive behavior. The team uses the Bayley Scales
of Infant & Toddler Development to determine eligibility. If no delay is
found, the team can still qualify a child based on a need for service and a
clinical opinion. During the evaluation, the team is assessing how the
child functions in his or her daily life and if services are needed to help the
families reach functional outcomes. We also work with children that have
a medical diagnosis that may or may not result in developmental delays.
All evaluations are completed at the family’s home unless they request
otherwise. If a child is eligible for services, and the family has consented
to services, a primary service provider is assigned to work with the family.
The primary service provider can be any one of the team members and
will help the family identify functional outcomes and goals that the family
wants to reach with their child. Although one person is the (continued, next page)
PAGE 4
THE DUE DILIGENCE
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
(continued)
Feb 13–County pay date (due 2/6)
Help Me Grow (continued)
primary service provider, they will have access to the entire team and can
make joint visits when needed.
Feb 14–Chocolate Extravaganza (Career
Center)
–Sweetheart Big Band Dance (Lake Park
Pavilion)
Feb 16–PRESIDENT’S DAY – Offices Closed
Feb 18–County Employee Blood Drive
Feb 19–“Earth, Craft & Ahhhhhhh”, Clary
Gardens (6:00 p.m.)
Feb 25–County bill run (due 2/17)
Feb 27–County pay date (due 2/20)
Mar 2 –District Health 2015 Budgets due at
Auditor’s Office (Since 3/1 is a
Sunday)
–Last day to file CAUV Initial or
Renewal Applications
Mar 4&5–Tiverton Institute
Mar 10–SWCD’s Farmer’s Breakfast “Managing Flood Waters…” (Edie Ryan’s
7:30 a.m.)
Mar 11–County bill run (due 3/3)
Mar 13–County pay date (due 3/6)
Mar 19– Author Michael Connor Book Signing, Coshocton Public Library (6 p.m.)
–“Earth, Craft & Ahhhhhhh”, Clary
Gardens (6:00 p.m.)
Mar 25–County bill run (due 3/17)
Mar 27–County pay date (due 3/20)
Mar 28–“Teenage Talent” Exhibit, JH
Museum, Roscoe (thru 5/17)
Mar 31–Last day to file Board of Revision
Complaint Form
OPERS Video Series On
YouTube
Around the age of 2 ½, we begin talking
with families about transition from the early
intervention program into preschool. We work
closely with the school district where the child resides to make sure that if a
child needs services at age 3 then there is an Individual Education Plan (IEP)
in place by their 3rd birthday.
We are very fortunate in our county to employ therapists that go to the
home to provide physical, occupational or speech therapy. Families really
appreciate the in-home services we provide. Some families have multiple
doctor or specialist appointments that having someone come to their home and
work with them and their child is one less place to go. We have also provided
developmental screenings at local day care centers, and we are trained to
screen for Autism using the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation
Schedule).
Currently we have close to 40 children on our caseload and welcome any
new referrals. If you or someone you know has a concern or question about
development in a child ages birth to 3, please don’t hesitate to call us at
Hopewell School! Ask for Tami Brenneman (740) 622-2032!
COUNTY WEBSITE RESOURCES
This column gives just a few items available on the County Website that may be of interest:
Did you know OPERS has its
own YouTube channel? A number
of informational videos covering
topics such as investments, health
care and other hot topics, can be
found on YouTube by searching
“OhioPERS1.”
The videos and other helpful
information for OPERS members
are also available on
www.opers.org.
 An opportunity to mentor a young person:
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/agency/juvenile/volunteer.php
 Marriage applications:
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/files/1288118597REVISED%20MARRIAGE%20APP.pdf
 Victims’ Rights:
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/agency/prosecutor/Victim%20Information.php
 Online access to recorded deeds and documents:
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/agency/recorder/Deeds.php
 Where you can take what item(s) to be recycled:
http://www.recyclecoshocton.com/wheretorecycle
 Information about creating common access drives:
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/files/1184614347Common%20Access%20Drive%20Policy.pdf
The splash page of the county website can be found at:
www.coshoctoncounty.net
THE DUE DILIGENCE
PAGE 5
Ohio Ethics Law Training
Submitted by Susan Willeke, OEC Education
and Communications Administrator
The following dates have been scheduled
for 2015 for instructor-led ethics law training
sessions. All public officials and employees,
both at the state and local government levels,
are invited and welcome to attend these
classes. (These classes also fulfill training
requirements for state officials and
employees). Details are coming soon online
at www.ethics.ohio.gov about registration.
Welcomes and Farewells at the Juvenile Court
Submitted by Doug Schonauer, Court Administrator
Juvenile Court Honors Linda Weber
March 10 (10 a.m.) – Perrysburg, Ohio
March 19 (10 a.m.) – Columbus, Ohio
June 4 (10 a.m.) – Warrensville Heights, Ohio
June 11 (10 a.m.) – Columbus, Ohio
September 1 (1 p.m.) – Columbus, Ohio
October 2 (10 a.m.) – Cincinnati, Ohio
December 11 (10 a.m.) – Columbus, Ohio
To assist you in scheduling your Ethics
Law training needs, the Ohio Ethics Commission (OEC) is also announcing the dates for
the 2015 webinars. Feel free to mark your
calendars with the date and time that work
best for your schedule and then visit OEC’s
web site in early 2015 to register.
January 29
February 24
March 26
April 22
May 18
June 11
July 17
August 19
September 1
October 9
November 9
10 a.m.
1 p.m.
1 p.m.
11 a.m.
1 p.m.
1 p.m.
11 a.m.
10 a.m.
10 a.m.
11 a.m.
10 a.m.
Overview
Overview
Overview
Conflict of Interest
Overview
Overview
Overview
Public Contracts
Overview
Overview
Post-Employment
Magistrate Linda Weber and Judge Van Blanchard II.
Magistrate Linda Weber was recognized for her dedication and
commitment to the families of Coshocton County with a special plaque
from the Court and a proclamation by the Coshocton County Commissioners. She has been a Court Magistrate for nearly nine years and was
greeted by approximately 100 visitors at her October 17, 2014,
retirement reception. She plans to relax and visit her grandchildren
out of state.
Juvenile Court Appoints New Magistrate
Attorney Maria N. Kalis of
Zanesville, Ohio began her
appointment with the Coshocton County Juvenile Court on
December 1, 2014. Kalis will
work part-time at the Court
and also keep a private practice in Zanesville. She will
cover actions involving parenting, custody, support, visitation, detention and shelter
care, and any other actions
deemed necessary in the absence of the Judge. Magistrate
Kalis was welcomed to the
Court with a small reception of
staff and providers as well as
various family members.
In 2013, the Ethics Commission released
several electronic courses as an additional tool
in its training toolbox. Currently, there are
two one-hour courses available that provide
the learner with an overview of the entire
Ethics Law. In addition, you will find on the
web site several briefer “provision-specific” ecourses. In recognition that many questions
arise regarding specific areas of the law, the
Ethics Commission has created several short
e-courses specific to these topics.
Registration and information can be found online at:
Webinars:
http://www.ethics.ohio.gov/education/webinars.shtml
E-courses:
http://www.ethics.ohio.gov/education/elearning/index
.shtml
Judge Van Blanchard II and Magistrate
Maria N. Kalis.
PAGE 6
THE DUE DILIGENCE
River View School District
Receives Awards
Submitted by Dalton Summers, Superintendent
Both the River View Local School District and High School received awards at the
Ohio School Board’s Capital Conference on
November 10th from Ohio Battelle for Kids
(OBFK). These awards were for the amount
of student growth made last year. Dr. Bobby Moore of OBFK specifically mentioned
that River View Local School District
showed the most improvement of all
districts for last year's Value-Added growth
in receiving the “Most Improved District”
award. River View High School received an
award for "High Progress".
In addition, Dr. Ross, the state superintendent, announced that River View High
School had earned an "Ohio School of Promise Award." This award highlights another area that has been targeted for improvement at the high school with respect to closing gaps and Annual Measurable Objectives.
The district had never received any of
these three awards in the past. The administrators, teachers, curriculum team, and
staff are to be commended for their hard
work, leadership, dedication, extra effort,
donated time, passion for kids, spirit of
commitment, patience, and tenacity through
the last two years to adjust to this "value
added" emphasis.
“I believe that this district is blessed with
individuals at all levels that are committed
to excellence for kids. I believe we have
great kids and great support. Most of all, I
believe I am lucky to have the opportunity
to work with all of them.” – Mr. Summers.
AWARDS RECEIVED WERE:
MOST IMPROVED DISTRICT – District
must be among the top districts of all
participating districts in terms of a positive
change in the annual composite index.
HIGH PROGRESS SCHOOLS
(GRADES 9-12) – School must have a
minimum of six subjects and be among the
top schools with above average growth as
well as consistency in the average gain
index in grades and subjects without being
below growth standard.
OHIO SCHOOL OF PROMISE – School
shows that they are maintaining high
academic achievement, indicated by proficient ratings in tests and high graduation
rates, among students that include those that
are economically disadvantaged.
Chief Deputy Auditor Organizes Animal Shelter Supplies
Drive
Jinni Bowman, Chief Deputy Auditor, has a heart for animals, and she translates
that passion into action. For the second year, she organized through Leadership
Coshocton County a supply drive to benefit the dogs and cats at the shelter. She
writes, “A great big THANK YOU to all
of those who donated to the Animal Shelter! There were several groups who
donated large quantities –the 2014/15
Leadership Coshocton County (pictured),
Peoples Bank, the License Bureau, and
the Auditor’s Office. There were also
many anonymous drop offs – thanks to all
of you as well! When grocery shopping,
please consider buying a bag of food and
dropping if off at the shelter. Save a life
– adopt a companion from the shelter!”
Pictured l-r: Maureen Karl, Nicole
A grand total of 583 pounds of food, over
Medley, Kyle Myers, Frank Kline, and
2000 ounces of cleaning supplies, towels,
Tiffany Conkle.
rugs, paper towels, and beds were donated.
When these items are donated, it frees up monies for other needs of these animals,
including, but not limited to, spaying and neutering.
PAGE 7
Need a New Address?
If you have just built a new home
or moved a manufactured home
onto a site in the county which had
never had a homesite, you may find
yourself in need of a new house
number.
To obtain a new street address in
the unincorporated areas of Coshocton County, an application must
be filed with the County Engineer’s
Office in person or by mail at 23194
CR 621, Coshocton, or by email at
fredwachtel@coshoctoncounty.net
The application form is available
from the Engineer’s office at the
above address or online at
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/a
gency/taxmap/Addressing.php
The form must be completed
with all of the required information.
There is no charge for an address.
A representative from the
Engineer’s Office (for township or
county roads) or ODOT (for state or
US routes) will visit the site to
approve proposed or existing
driveways. Once the access
requirements are fulfilled and the
new mailbox is installed, the
address will be assigned and the
applicant will be notified in writing
of the new address.
Please note that accurate phone
contact information is necessary to
make sure any necessary face-toface meetings can be arranged.
MAIN STREET DISPLAY
WINDOW
DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT, OFFICE,
ORGANIZATION OR SPECIAL
THEMED WEEK OR MONTH TO
PROMOTE?
Space is available for displays in the
Annex window.
Currently, months available are: January,
June, July, August, September, October,
November and December..
Please call 740-622-1243 and ask for
Jackie or Donna for details. (Sorry, no
businesses or for-profit organizations)
THE DUE DILIGENCE
Coshocton County Job and Family Services (JFS) Gets a Face Lift
Submitted by Mindy Fehrman, JFS Director
Coshocton JFS is completing a renovation to help streamline customer flow.
The building, which is owned by the commissioners, was built in 1991 and
financed through a decreasing bond that will be satisfied in 2017. JFS has paid for
the costs of the bond through their monthly rental agreement with the commissioners. The building was originally built to house the Child Support and Public
Assistance Departments for the county. In 2000, Children Services and Workforce
Development (former CORC Office) merged with those departments to become
Job and Family Services. A renovation was completed including the basement of
the building to accommodate the new organization and a total of 74 employees.
Since 2000, process improvements and decreases in state/federal funding have
resulted in a reduction of staff to 58. The new renovation will better serve clients
as support staff will all be housed in the same vicinity and conference room areas
will provide more security for staff and the public. The photos show the new first
floor (above) and second floor (below) lobby areas. Enhancements have been
made to various areas to improve energy efficiency. The cost of the renovation
loan will be included in the JFS rental agreement with the commissioners.
PAGE 8
THE DUE DILIGENCE
TREASURER OF
STATE MANDEL
LAUNCHES STATE
ONLINE CHECKBOOK
Did you ever wonder just what
the State does with all your tax
dollars? Treasurer of State Josh
Mandel had recently launched a
website that contains on-line access
to down-to-the-decimal-point,
who-and-where details of how
the state spent billions over the
last seven years.
While this information has
always been available under
Ohio’s Sunshine with a public
recored request, this site makes
it easier to troll the records for
items of particular interest to the
person doing the searching.
The site can be explored at:
http://ohiotreasurer.gov/Transparenc
y/Ohios-Online-Checkbook
Another site of interest is the
previously launched public
officials’ wage database:
http://www.tos.ohio.gov/state_salary
These sites are a way to
assure more transparency in
government and will help
Ohioans hold officials and
bureaucrats accountable.
Famous Quote
“Power tends to corrupt, and
absolute power corrupts
absolutely.”
~ Lord John Emerich Edward
Dalberg Acton, First Baron Acton,
historian & moralist (1834–1902)
MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY
DISTRICT (MWCD) SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
DECREASING
Coshocton County landowners will benefit from recent new oil
and gas revenue to MWCD. Property owners have been paying
MWCD assessments on their real estate tax bill since the plan was
approved in 2005. The monies collected were to repair and
replace the watershed’s deteriorating dams and flood controls.
With shale oil drilling in full swing in some of the counties in which
the district owns property, MWCD was able to sign some lucrative
leasing agreements. Because of this unexpected revenue that
can also be used for the repairs and upgrades, less revenue will be
needed from the special assessments. The MWCD Board of Directors approved a plan to reduce all assessments by a 50%
reduction beginning in 2015.
The $12 annual assessment on residential property will be
reduced to $6 per year on the 2014 tax bills, payable in 2015.
[Note: If there are multiple parcels that are contiguous and titled
in the same manner, only one assessment for the group should be
charged. If there are multiple $6 charge on such properties,
please contact the auditor’s office or the MWCD for appeal forms
to remove the extra charge(s).] The assessment is significantly
higher on properties with farming, commercial, or industrial
activities. An alphabetical listing of the most recent Coshocton
County assessments can be viewed at:
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/files/1419947715MWCD%20Annual%20Levy%20
Detail%20-%20Maintenance%20Assessment%202014.pdf
The Coshocton County Auditor collected and distributed
special assessments totaling $413,609 to MWCD during 2014. This
amount is just for the special assessments paid for by Coshocton
County taxpayers. The MWCD places assessments on real estate
properties in the following counties: Ashland, Belmont, Carroll,
Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Knox, Licking, Morgan,
Muskingum, Noble, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, Washing-ton
and Wayne. For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org
ARE YOU HARBORING AN ILLEGAL…
DOG?
THE DUE DILIGENCE
PAGE 9
AUDS & ENDS
 Coshocton County’s new assessed
values (35% of all property
market values) for 2015 tax year
total $765,971,980.
 The planned upgrade to the
county’s financial system to VIP
version is still in the holding
pattern with hopes for movement
in the spring.
 The Manufactured Homes have
had their 2015 values set after the
reappraisal team has reviewed
them. The field data is still being
collected for real estate with
tentative abstracts planned in
early June.
 The County Auditor’s office
issued warrants (checks) totaling
$106,875,525 for all county funds
(including tax collection and
settlement). Of this, $10,890,525
worth of checks were written on
behalf of the County’s General
Fund.
CAUV VALUES TO
INCREASE – BUT NOT IN
COSHOCTON COUNTY YET
The news is full of quotes about
CAUV values increasing by 200%
and, in some counties, the CAUV
values being higher than the current
market value.
The State of Ohio Department of
Taxation reviews, recalculates, and
sets soil values every year based on
the formula. A detailed explanation
of this process can be read at:
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/files
/1250796723CAUV_Values_Increas
e.pdf
While the values are updated by
the state every year, county auditors
are required to update the records
with current soil values only during a
reappraisal or triennial update. The
soil values for 2014 tax year did
increase, but Coshocton County will
not see the increase because the
appraisal is scheduled for tax year
2015 (payable in 2016).
March’s Weights and Measures Week
Fairness in the marketplace is a cornerstone of economic health for
consumers and businesses alike. That is why, on March 2, 1799, John
Quincy Adams signed the first weights and measures law in the United
States. In celebration of that event the National Conference on Weights
and Measures observes Weights & Measures Week March 1 -7 yearly.
Watch for more information on what our inspector does during that
week.
In a time when we are looking for efficient and effective government,
we need to look no further than our weights and measures program.
Considering that as much as 50% of a family′s income is used to
purchase consumer goods, the impact on an inaccurate marketplace
can be significant to each of us. Below are some charts that show how
much money can be lost – by both the business and the consumer –
with just a little bit of variance on accurate measures:
Loss per Gallon purchased/sold:
Price per Gallon of
Gas
Cubic Inches
$1.80
$2.59
1
$0.78
$1.12
2
$1.56
$2.24
3
$2.34
$3.36
4
$3.11
$4.48
5
$3.89
$5.60
6
$4.67
$6.72
7
$5.45
$7.84
8
$6.23
$8.96
Values shown are in dollars and cents.
There are 231 cubic inches in a gallon of gasoline
Loss on tare weight purchased/sold:
Price per Pound
Tare Weight
$2.00
$5.00
0.01
$0.02
$0.05
0.02
$0.04
$0.10
0.03
$0.06
$0.15
0.04
$0.08
$0.20
0.05
$0.10
$0.25
0.06
$0.12
$0.30
0.07
$0.14
$0.35
0.08
$0.16
$0.40
0.09
$0.18
$0.45
0.1
$0.20
$0.50
0.11
$0.22
$0.55
0.12
$0.24
$0.60
Values shown are in cents.
Tare weight is the weight of the trays or wrapping
that should not be included in the price per pound.
PAGE 10
New Levy Costs
First half real estate tax bills will
be going out soon with a March due
date. The following levies will be
reflected for the first time on the tax
bills and will result in an increase for
those properties that are within those
taxing districts. (All estimates are
based on a $100,000 home.)
 For those properties within the
village of West Lafayette, an
additional 2 mill levy for police
protection ($70 annual estimated
tax).
 For properties within Jefferson
Township, a 1.5 mill levy for
roads ($52.50 annual estimated
tax).
 For properties within East Knox
Local School District, an
additional 3.9 mill current
expense levy ($136.50 annual
estimated tax).
 For all properties within
Coshocton City, a 2.4 mill street
repair levy ($84 annual estimated
tax).
 For all properties within Coshocton County, an additional .25 mill
levy for Senior Citizens Services
($8.75 annual estimated tax).
CONGRATULATIONS!
Franklin Township Trustee LARRY
BOAL’S nephew, Tyler Saladino,
was selected for the 2014 AAA
Baseball All-Star team. Read
about him at:
http://www.milb.com/news/articl
e.jsp?ymd=20140702&content_id
=82717294&fext=.jsp&vkey=news
_t494&sid=t494
***To receive the Due Diligence in your
inbox, please email Chris at
chrissycks@coshoctoncounty.net
THE DUE DILIGENCE
Don’t Forget - Pets Available for Adoption!
There are dogs and cats at the shelter right now just waiting to start
the new year in their new “forever home.” Animals available for
adoption can be visited at the shelter during regular office hours in
person or can be viewed online by clicking “Click to See our Available
Pets” at: http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/agency/animal/adoption.php
Adoption fees are $50 for a dog and $30 for a cat. This cost includes
a current-year dog tag, all necessary shots for the animal, and $10 off
spay or neuter. Please consider giving an animal a new home. The
Coshocton County Animal Shelter is located at 21755 Township Road
164 (Morgan Run Road). Shelter hours are Monday through Friday, 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. “My favorite breed is Rescue!” – Unknown.
COUNTY AUDITOR’S STAFF GETS CREATIVE FOR
UNITED WAY
The employees of the County Auditor’s Office showed their creative
side and helped raise more money for the Coshocton County United Way
Drive. The decorated jack-o-lanterns (shown below) were displayed in the
office’s front window to allow people to view and vote (with cash) for their
favorites. In the top three spots (pictured below, first row) were First Place
- Lindsay McCullough with her owl carving raising $21.71 in votes, Second
Place - Kyle Lowe’s football player, raising $17.25 , and Third Place – Jarrod Tipton’s monster raising $16.96 . Others entering but not placing are
shown in the second row. From the left, the first two were by Jinni, then
Chris, then a joint effort by Don, Danna, Sue, and Wes, and then one by
Jackie. In addition to this event, the staff also paid for ‘casual wear’ days
and had to pay penalties for the first three weeks of November if they were
caught complaining about anything. All proceeds were added to our staff’s
total contributions to the United Way. The twelve employees in the auditor’s office and the outside votes raised a grand total of $1369.42 for UW.
THE DUE DILIGENCE
PAGE 11
CAUV Audit Underway
As part of the 2015 reappraisal
process, the County Auditor is
performing a Current Agricultural
Use Value (CAUV) Audit. The
first step in this process was to
include audit questionnaires with
the CAUV renewal applications
that were mailed at the beginning
of January.
The CAUV tax reduction is an
important program that was put
into place in the 70s to help
farmers keep farming. During this
decade, there was a severe upward
trend of land market values,
especially around developing
cities. The increasing real estate
taxes, which were based upon
these market values, soon became
problematic as the taxes were
threatening to take much of the
gross farming income. The
CAUV reduction was introduced
as a solution to this problem.
It is the County Auditor’s hope
to preserve the integrity of this
important tax reduction for our
farmers and for landowners who
rent their properties to be farmed.
Ohio Revised Code charges our
office to review farms to assure
that those receiving the reduction
are qualified, commercially active
farms. This will assure the fair
and equitable application of taxes
to all parties within the county.
For more information about the
Current Agricultural Use Value
Reduction, please visit our website
at:
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/a
gency/auditor/cauv.php
or call the Auditor’s Office at 6221243.
Coshocton County Safe Communities: A Traffic Safety Partnership
Sponsors First Ever Holiday Happy Hour
Submitted by Christy Mosier, Coshocton County Health Department
The Coshocton County Health Department recently received a “Safe Communities” traffic safety grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Safe Communities is a national concept and proven strategy to reduce the impact of traffic
crashes by coordinating traffic safety programs and resources through a local
coalition. The Coshocton County Safe Communities Coalition includes community partners such as public health, education, emergency services, law enforcement,
engineering, business, local government, and non-profit organizations. The
coalition is working together on five primary goals. These goals include:




Increasing seat belt usage
Reducing impaired and distracted driving
Increasing motorcycle safety awareness
Reducing traffic crashes by reviewing local crash data and prioritizing
areas in greatest need of attention
 Promoting and encouraging cooperative traffic safety efforts through the
Safe Communities Coalition
The first activity that the coalition sponsored was Holiday Happy Hour, an
event that challenged teams to create fun and festive non-alcoholic drinks or
“mocktails.” Mocktails are great drinks to serve to designated drivers and nondrinkers. Ten teams competed for the Judge’s Choice Award and the People’s
Choice Award. Our celebrity judges included: Judge Timothy France-Municipal
Court, Emily McBurney-Prosecutor’s Office, and Lt. Matt Boyd-Ohio State Highway Patrol. Our judges gave their award to the Sheriff’s Office “Awesome Elves”
comprised of Shelby Morris, Denise Huston, and Lt. Dean Hettinger (pictured
above). The team created Choco-mel Coffee mocktail while the People’s Choice
Award, voted on by Holiday Happy Hour attendees, was won by Coshocton
Behavioral Health Choices for their Mele Kaliki Maka mocktail (pictured below).
Both teams received a large
traveling trophy for their
winning efforts. An estimated
75 people participated in the
first time event held on
December 4th at the Riverfront
Lounge and Restaurant.
(continued, next page.)
(Photos contributed by Josie
Sellers, Coshocton Beacon)
PAGE 12
COSHOCTON COUNTY SAFE
COMMUNITIES (Continued)
The very talented and area favorite
singer, Maxine Matheney, provided
holiday music that added to the
festivities. Cookies and door prizes
also made the event fun.
Although the evening was all
about fun and celebrating holidays,
the Safe Communities Coalition
message was serious. Christy Mosier,
Safe Communities Coordinator, said
the goal of the event was to
discourage drunk and impaired
driving by being a responsible party
host and for being a responsible party
guest by planning ahead to get home
safely. Mosier says that upcoming
football bowl games are another
opportunity to remind folks that if
you drink, then plan ahead of time to
find a safe ride home.
Check out the Coshocton County
Safe Communities Facebook page
and become a friend to receive more
information on local traffic safety
information and events. For more
information on Safe Communities,
including how to participate in the
coalition, contact Christy Mosier at
(740) 295-7373 or e-mail her at
christy.mosier@odh.ohio.gov
COSHOCTON COUNTY
LITTER AND RECYCLING
OFFICE MOVES
The Coshocton County Litter
and Recycling Office has moved
to the 2nd floor of the Courthouse
Annex, 349 Main Street,
Coshocton. The phone number
and email address will remain the
same. Visit their Facebook page
at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Recyclecoshocton/3446909156191
29?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_
browser
THE DUE DILIGENCE
Over 65 or Disabled? Lower your property taxes.
Four Requirements:
1. Age 65 by December 31, 2015 or permanently or totally
disabled on January 1, 2015, regardless of age.
2. Own the home or manufactured home as primary place
of residence as of January 1 of 2015.
3. Photocopy of picture ID for proof of age such as driver’s
license, State of Ohio ID card or a current or expired
passport.
4. State Income Tax Return or proof of income to verify
Ohio Adjusted Gross Income is less than $31,000.
Eligible senior citizen or permanently disabled homeowners
will receive tax savings averaging $400 per year.
Applications must be received by June 1, 2015
For more information or questions
740-622-1243
Or visit our website at
http://www.coshoctoncounty.net/agency/auditor/
NEW HOMESTEAD REDUCTION FOR
VETERANS WITH 100% SERVICE-RELATED
DISABILITIES
A new law passed recently that created an additional real estate
tax homestead reduction specifically for disabled veterans. If
records show you qualify due to your service-related 100%
disability, you will be receiving a letter shortly. The only other
requirements are that you owned and lived in your home as of
January 1, 2015 and that you file the enclosed application along
with a copy of your disability letter or other written confirmation by
the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs, or any predecessor or
successor agency, showing that you qualify as a disabled veteran.
This should give qualified veterans an additional $400 per year
savings.
I have asked Mr. James Barstow VSO from the Veterans’ Service
Office to help me get in contact with those who may be eligible.
Watch for the letter in the mail for further information.