Auditor’s Office returns nearly $1M

School districts will be biggest benefactor, Galloway reports

Lake County Auditor Christopher

A. Galloway announced this week that his office will be returning $811,302.68 to local governments and school districts.

The money will be distributed from the auditor’s Real Estate Assessment Fund.

“After a careful review of expenditures and careful planning for the next three years, I believe we have more than enough budgeted to be able to handle our statutorily required duties,” Galloway said. “As such, I am pleased to announce that we will be returning funds to local governments and school districts throughout Lake County.

“We don’t need it — they do. Therefore, I am doing the fiscally responsible thing and returning funds.”

According to the office, the money from the Real Estate Assessment Fund is generated annually from a small percentage of the county’s total real estate tax collections. It is specifically designated by state law to be used by the auditor for mapping, real estate valuation and appraisal functions.

The return of funds is prorated to each community, school district and taxing entity on the basis of their proportional Real Estate

Assessment percentage of annual property taxes collected over the past eight years.

School districts will be the biggest benefactor, Galloway noted.

Among the largest payments: $144,011.31 for the Mentor School District; and $145,569.56 to the Willoughby-Eastlake School District.

By reducing overhead costs and implementing new technologies, the office is able to reduce the cost of the county-wide revaluation process and, in turn, return the monies to where they can be used directly for the betterment of the community, Galloway said.

“I’m also pleased to report that the delays we experienced last year due to the software conversion have been resolved and we have completed the settlement process on time and in full,” he added. “In addition, we made it a priority to return funds now during this novel coronavirus public health crisis to provide needed resources to the local governments and school districts. Every bit helps.”

Mentor Councilman Scott Marn expressed appreciation to Galloway and his staff for being proactive and identifying ways to best serve the residents.

“There is no better way than returning tax dollars,” Marn said.

Galloway, who was appointed Lake County Auditor last April, added this is the first time since 20012 the office has refunded money to local entities from the Real Estate Assessment Fund.

Galloway