Hilliard homeowners who opened their mailboxes to find a higher property value from the Franklin County Auditor can take a breath. That 11% average increase does not translate into an 11% jump in school taxes.
Hilliard City Schools published an explainer on July 28 walking residents through what the 2026 triennial property value update actually means for their wallets. The bottom line: under Ohio's voted levy system, the total revenue a school district collects from voter-approved levies stays essentially the same when values rise. What shifts is each homeowner's share, based on how their property's increase compares to the district average.
What the numbers mean for you
The district laid it out in a three-scenario table:
- Your value rose about 15% (above average): You may pay a slightly larger share of voted taxes.
- Your value rose about 11% (at the district average): Your share generally stays about the same.
- Your value rose about 8% (below average): You may pay a slightly smaller share.
The district emphasized that what matters isn't the raw percentage on a homeowner's notice but how that increase compares to the district-wide average of 11%.
A new state law adds another layer of protection
Ohio House Bill 335, signed into law Dec. 19, 2025, and effective since March 18, 2026, caps how much revenue local governments can collect from "inside millage," the small slice of property tax that doesn't require voter approval. Starting with this 2026 update, county budget commissions must limit inside-millage revenue growth to the cumulative GDP-deflator inflation rate over the preceding three years.
The County Auditors Association of Ohio has called the five-bill reform package "the largest property-tax reform package in state history," projecting more than $2 billion in savings for Ohio homeowners statewide.
When you'll see the change
Not right away. The updated values feed into 2026 tax year calculations, but homeowners won't see the effect on a tax bill until collection begins in 2027.
Your actual bill can also be affected by improvements or additions made to your home since the last appraisal, all levies that apply to your property, and how your property's value changed compared to similar homes in your taxing district.
What if you disagree with your new value?
The Franklin County Auditor's office has a Property Value Review process for homeowners who want to contest their 2026 valuation. The 2025 Board of Revision complaint period is closed, but the Auditor's dedicated 2026 update page offers resources and next steps.
Hilliard City Schools' business office, led by Chief Operating Officer Mark Dudgeon, can be reached at 614-921-7000 for district-specific tax questions.
What's ahead
County budget commissions must adjust inside millage rates in September 2026 under HB 335. Tax bills reflecting the updated property values will arrive when 2027 collection begins.
