**The Stark County Auditor: Your Guide to Property Taxes, Elections, and More**

Introduction

The Stark County Auditor is an elected official responsible for a wide range of duties that impact the lives of all Stark County residents. From property taxes to elections to public records, the Auditor's office plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and transparent functioning of local government.

Responsibilities of the Stark County Auditor

The Auditor's office has numerous responsibilities, including:

Property Taxes

• Appraising and assessing the value of all real property in Stark County
• Calculating property tax bills for all property owners
• Collecting property taxes and distributing them to local governments

Elections

• Coordinating and conducting all voter registration and election activities in Stark County
• Maintaining voter registration records
• Setting up polling places and overseeing the voting process

Public Records

• Maintaining and preserving public records, including property deeds, voter registration cards, and financial documents
• Providing access to public records to the public

Importance of the Stark County Auditor

The Auditor's office plays a vital role in the community by:

Ensuring Fair and Equitable Property Taxes

• Accurate property assessments ensure that all property owners pay their fair share of taxes.
• The Auditor's office works closely with property owners to resolve assessment disputes.

Protecting the Integrity of Elections

• The Auditor's office ensures the accuracy and fairness of all elections.
• Voter registration records are maintained and updated to prevent fraud.
• Polling places are staffed with trained and impartial election officials.

Preserving Public Records

• Public records are essential for preserving the history and accountability of local government.
• The Auditor's office maintains and preserves these records for future generations.

How to Contact the Stark County Auditor

The Stark County Auditor's office is located at:

4500 W. Tuscarawas Street
Canton, OH 44708

The office can be reached by phone at (330) 451-9345 or by email at auditor@starkcountyohio.gov.

Services Provided by the Stark County Auditor

The Auditor's office provides a wide range of services to the public, including:

Property Tax Services

• Property tax assessments
• Property tax payments
• Assessment disputes

Election Services

• Voter registration
• Polling place locations
• Election results

Public Records Services

• Access to public records
• Record copies
• Record certifications

Effective Strategies for Working with the Stark County Auditor

To ensure a smooth and successful interaction with the Auditor's office, consider the following strategies:

• Be prepared. Gather necessary documents and information before contacting the office.
• Be patient. The Auditor's office serves a large population, so there may be delays.
• Be respectful. Treat staff members with courtesy and understanding.
• Communicate clearly. Explain your needs and questions in a clear and concise manner.
• Follow up. If you don't receive a response within a reasonable time, follow up with a phone call or email.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Interacting with the Stark County Auditor

To avoid potential problems, avoid the following common mistakes:

• Not paying property taxes on time. Unpaid taxes can result in penalties and foreclosure.
• Missing voter registration deadlines. Late registrations may prevent you from voting in an election.
• Requesting records that are not public. Only certain records are available to the public.
• Being disrespectful to staff members. Unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated.
• Failing to follow up. Lack of communication can result in delays and missed opportunities.

Step-by-Step Approach to Resolving Property Tax Disputes

If you believe your property assessment is inaccurate, you can follow these steps to initiate a dispute:

1. Gather evidence. Collect supporting documentation, such as appraisals, comparable sale prices, and photographs.
2. File a formal complaint. Submit a written complaint form to the Stark County Auditor's office.
3. Attend a hearing. You will have the opportunity to present your evidence and argue your case before a hearing officer.
4. Receive a decision. The hearing officer will issue a decision, which can be appealed to the Stark County Board of Revision.

Why the Stark County Auditor Matters to You

The Stark County Auditor's office impacts your life in a variety of ways:

Property Taxes

• The Auditor determines how much property tax you pay each year.
• Accurate assessments ensure that you pay your fair share.

Elections

• The Auditor ensures that elections are conducted fairly and accurately.
• Your vote matters, and the Auditor's office protects its integrity.

Public Records

• The Auditor preserves important public records that tell the story of Stark County.
• These records are essential for transparency and accountability in government.

Benefits of Working with the Stark County Auditor

Working with the Stark County Auditor's office has numerous benefits:

Professionalism and Expertise

• The staff is knowledgeable and experienced in property taxes, elections, and public records.
• They can provide accurate and timely information.

Accessibility

• The office is located in a convenient central location.
• Services are available online, by phone, and by mail.

Transparency

• The Auditor's office is committed to transparency and accountability.
• Public records are readily available for inspection.

Table 1: Property Tax Rates in Stark County

Table 2: Voter Registration Statistics in Stark County

Table 3: Public Records Requests in Stark County