Lorain County, Ohio, USA: Properties will face more tax in the coming year

More Property Tax on Lorain County properties

Despite a fall in property values, there may be rising property taxes for properties in Lorain County, Ohio. Residents of the county are going to get their tax bill this month, with a due date in mid-February 2014. The basic factor behind this increase in tax bills is voter-approved higher rates, not higher values of the properties.

The levies behind this increase in tax rates are:

1. A levy for renewal of a community college;

2. A levy for the county drug task force;

3. A levy for the Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities; and

4. A levy for the 911 emergency telephone network.

The valuation of property and calculation of property tax is not simple, but one point is clear: property taxes are going to be higher this year due to the rate changes.

Some past levies are also behind the higher tax rates. The Avon Lake school district is an example: property tax has increased because of approval of an additional emergency levy of about eight million dollars.

The districts facing relatively higher tax bills include Elyria, Grafton Township and Eaton Township.

The following are three major factors which affect the property tax bills of county residents:

1. Property Value

In general, property tax amounts have a positive correlation with property values. The higher the property values, the higher the property tax. Similarly, the lower the property values, the lower the property tax.

2. Rate of Property Tax

The next important factor affecting the amount of property tax is the property tax rate. The higher the rate of property tax, the higher the property tax. Similarly, the lower the property tax rate, the lower the property tax.

3. Location of the Property

One of the most important factors in determining the amount of property tax is the location of a property within the county. Both the property values and property tax rates vary from one location to another around a county.