Hilliard-area homeowners will see higher property values on their next tax bill after Franklin County's 2026 revaluation bumped residential assessments an average of 10% countywide.

Within the Hilliard City School District, the increase averaged 11%, according to the district's explanation of the update. The new values apply to 2026 tax-year bills, collected in 2027.

Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano called the increase among the lowest in Ohio this cycle and well below the 30%-plus spike property owners experienced during the prior revaluation. "What has slowed down is just the hot market," Stinziano told WSYX in a Sept. 10 report. "People aren't paying within 24 hours substantially more than the listing price."

The update is a triennial review, not a full reappraisal. Director of Outreach Beth Fairman-Kinney and Director of Policy & Special Initiatives Joe Gilligan explained the process to Hilliard City Council on May 11, noting the update relies on arms-length sales data from 2023 through 2025 rather than individual property inspections. Council Vice President Tina Cottone expressed surprise at some value swings, pointing to a home east of Dublin Road that appeared to have doubled in value.

Storm-damage relief still available

Hilliard residents who suffered property damage from the Aug. 11 storms and other summer severe weather have a separate option. State law allows the auditor to temporarily reduce the appraised value of damaged property, which can lower the affected year's tax bill.

Damage does not have to be a total loss. Fallen trees on a roof, flooding and severe wind damage all qualify, according to NBC4. Owners can apply even without all repair documentation in hand.

In an Aug. 27 NBC4 report, Stinziano said his office would work with homeowners through the repair process. "We'll work with that property owner as permits get pulled, and structures get updated and then bring it back to what the valuation could have been," he said.

Applications for storm damage from July through September are due by Dec. 31. State law bars the auditor's office from processing requests after that date. Forms are available online or by mail through the Franklin County Auditor's Office.

Higher values don't mean proportionally higher taxes

Ohio law (House Bill 920) prevents most voter-approved levies from collecting more revenue just because property values rise. The total collected stays essentially the same; each owner's share shifts based on how their home's value changed relative to others in the taxing district.

For Hilliard school district homeowners, a home that rose about 11% will generally see little change in its share of voted taxes. A home that rose more than 11% may pay a larger share. One that rose less may pay a smaller share.

A newer law, House Bill 335, caps revenue growth from inside millage on existing properties starting with this 2026 update. The Ohio Department of Taxation must approve the auditor's updated values before final figures go out in December.