Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano has announced that the Auditor’s office will refund $5 million to schools, libraries, municipalities, and agencies this December from payments made for real estate reappraisals and triennial updates.

A majority of the money – more than $3.2 million – is going to school districts across the county. In addition, Franklin County cities and villages will get $392,195, townships will get $255,362, libraries will get $131,272, and county agencies will get $932,525.

“This refund is a welcome opportunity to reinvest tax dollars back into our community,” said Hilliard City Manager Michelle Crandall, whose city will receive $23,461.

“The City of Hilliard will place this refund into our general fund, which pays for services ranging from public safety and snow removal to street repairs.”

Columbus City Schools will get the largest refund of all the entities, at $1.1 million. Other school districts receiving large refunds are Dublin City Schools at $308,477, Hilliard City Schools with $302,599, South-Western Schools at $254,027, Worthington City Schools at $240,376, Westerville City Schools with $197,284, and Upper Arlington City Schools at $183,478.

“I am happy to be able to refund this needed money back to our schools, our libraries and our municipalities and ultimately to our students and taxpayers,” Stinziano said.

“By being fiscally responsible, your Auditor’s office is able to return this money to organizations that directly support our residents with needed services.”

Among cities and villages, Columbus received the largest refund, at $180,927, followed by Dublin at $30,467 and Westerville at $27,628. Among libraries, the Columbus Metropolitan Library will receive the largest refund at $93,138, followed by the Worthington Public Library at $14,587 and the Westerville Public Library at $5,406.  

The money that is being refunded is collected as required by state law to pay for real estate reappraisals and triennial updates.