MEDINA COUNTY, OHIO – With the due date of February 10th for real estate tax bills looming, Medina County Treasurer John Burke wants to remind taxpayers of last minute options for paying their taxes.
Online tax payments are easy, safe, fast and convenient. Just go online to the Treasurer’s website at medinacountytreasurer.com and click “Search and Pay Taxes” in the left column to find your tax bill amount and payment options. There are several online tax payment options to choose from. You can pay using an e-check (electronic check) which allows the homeowner to pay directly from their bank account anytime 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a $0.50 fee paid to the vendor for using this option. Taxpayers can also use their PayPal account or credit card. A fee of 2.25% is charged by the vendor for these options and the County does not receive any of the fees charged. MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express credit cards are accepted online. To pay with a credit card by phone call 888-607-8389. American Express is not accepted over the phone. There is also an option with PayPal that allows the tax bill amount to be paid on “PayPal credit.” There are no payments or interest charges if you pay it off in full within 6 months. The normal 2.25% fee does apply to using this option. “I have seen many taxpayers use this option to get extra time to pay and avoid missing the due date and getting a late penalty charge of 10%,” said Burke. Of course, taxpayers can always make their tax payments in person at the Treasurer’s Office at 144 N. Broadway Street in Medina. As a convenience Burke said his normal hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays are being extended on the due date of Friday, February 10th to 6:00 pm. There are also four drop boxes for tax payments located around the county – in Medina at the County Administration Building and at the Wadsworth Municipal Building, Brunswick City Hall and Lodi Library. Burke reminds taxpayers that only check payments are to be made using drop boxes (no cash) and remember to include your tax bill stub. Any payments made by mail must be postmarked by the due date. “I always suggest that taxpayers who mail their tax payment on the last day walk it into the post office and make sure it is postmarked by that due date to avoid any late penalty fee,” said Burke. Taxpayers who are assessed a late penalty fee by the Auditor, may be able to get it removed by filing a Remission of Penalty form which can be obtained at the Treasurer’s Office. If you have any questions about your tax bill you may call the Treasurer’s Office at 330-725-9748. You may also view your tax balance due, look up your tax payments or print a receipt online at our website, medinacountytreasurer.com. While on the website, you are also encouraged to join the Treasurer’s email list so that you can receive important due date reminders and other information regarding your tax bill online.
0 Comments
MEDINA COUNTY, OHIO – Medina County Treasurer John Burke announced that 76,599 first half 2016 tax bills were mailed today to property owners in Medina County. The official due date for these property tax bills is February 10, 2017.
This tax bill reflects the new 2016 update reappraisal value placed on taxable property by the County Auditor in accordance with Ohio law. An insert included with each tax bill explains this in more detail. It was reported that the 2016 update increased residential property values in Medina County by approximately 9% and commercial property values by 5%. “To make paying your taxes easier we provide a variety of payment options,” Treasurer Burke noted. “In addition to making payments through our website, www.medinacountytreasurer.com, you may also pay online with an electronic check, ACH, credit card or PayPal account.” If you are paying by check, convenient 24-Hour Drive-Up Drop Boxes may be found at the following locations: • Treasurer’s Office, County Administration Building, 144 North Broadway Street, Medina, Ohio • Brunswick City Hall, 4095 Center Road, Brunswick, Ohio • Lodi Library, 635 Wooster Street, Lodi, Ohio • Wadsworth Municipal Building, 120 Maple Street, Wadsworth, Ohio Payments may be made in person at the Treasurer’s office at 144 N. Broadway, Medina, from 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday thru Friday. The office will be open until 6:00pm on the February 10th due date. You will need to present your entire tax bill at time of payment. Checks, cash or credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, Discover – are accepted over the counter. American Express is not. A convenience fee will be assessed by the vendor. Tax payments which are mailed MUST be postmarked no later than the February 10th due date to avoid a 5% penalty; payments made after February 22nd will be assessed a 10% penalty. The insert enclosed with each tax bill also asks that residents update their contact information with the Treasurer’s office by visiting www.medinacountytreasurer.com and clicking the “Subscribe to Our Email List” link or by calling 330-725-9748. “With so many residents now using their cell phones and email as their primary contact, it is important that my office have current information,” Burke said. “We will only contact residents with tax-related information.” “We’re always here to assist taxpayers in any way we can with various payment options, search services and more,” said Treasurer Burke. “Please feel free to call, stop in or email treasurerburke@medinaco.org.” If you have any questions, please call Medina County Treasurer’s office at 330-725-9748. MEDINA COUNTY, OHIO – Just in time for the holidays, 48 residents may have a little more spending money thanks to Treasurer John Burke’s Unclaimed Funds search. Two recent autumn events, the Fall Foliage Tour (Highland Library) and Senior Day at the Medina Community Rec Center, along with a visit to Miller’s Grocery Store in Lodi, yielded $6,884.33 in claims. “That brings the total for 2016 to $193,663,” Treasurer Burke stated. “The second highest amount we’ve helped folks locate since we began keeping record in 1998.” Though large events like the county fair yield more claims, smaller events make up most of the total. “I also want to remind everyone that this service is available every day at our office in the County Administration Building,” he continued. “Over half of the funds collected this year ($99,120) were found for people who came into the office.” Each year, 200,000 Ohioans lose track of some of their money, according to Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s website, which eventually ends up with The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Unclaimed Funds. Most of these funds are monies that have been inactive for at least five years from savings, checking accounts, utility deposits, stock dividends and safe deposit contents. Residents should be careful of companies or individuals who offer to assist them in reclaiming their money for a percentage or fee. This is a common scam. The Treasurer’s Office performs the secure online search for free, providing the necessary forms for each claim so people can complete the process with the state and receive their funds. There are no more unclaimed funds events planned for 2016. New events will be announced in the press and posted on this website as dates and venues become available. For more information, call the Medina County Treasurer’s Office at 330.725.9748, stop by the office at 144 North Broadway in Medina or visit www.medinacountytreasurer.com. MEDINA, OHIO ‑ Medina County Treasurer John Burke was elected to the Board of Directors for the International Association of Government Officials (IAGO) at their annual summer conference. He will serve on the board as Delegation Director for the State of Ohio.
IAGO provides professional training and leadership development for county officials by delivering educational programs, exploring technology and innovations, and advocating positions on national legislation. Treasurer Burke has been a member of the organization (formerly IACREOT) since 1994 and has served as Director at Large for the Treasurer's Division. He was also a recipient of the prestigious "Eagle Award" for excellence in Best Office Practices for an elected county office. Treasurer Burke has been Medina County Treasurer since 1994 and holds a Master of Business Degree from Miami University. For more information, call 330.725.9199 or visit medinacountytreasurer.com. MEDINA COUNTY, OHIO – “In these volatile economic times it is difficult to increase returns on investment portfolios. But we were able to do just that” Medina County Treasurer John Burke stated at the recent Medina County Investment Advisory Board meeting. Held quarterly, the Investment Advisory Board includes all three County Commissioners, the County Clerk of Courts and the County Treasurer as chairman.
At the meeting Treasurer Burke reviewed the County’s Investment portfolio. Year-to-date interest earnings through August 2016 were $589,606 compared to $495,020 last year – an increase of $94,586 or 19%. The projected interest income earnings were $880,000 for 2016. Treasurer Burke said that the investment portfolio, which currently is about $70 million, should make more than that estimate by the end of the year. This extra income for the County is placed in the General Fund to be used by the Commissioners for expenses and services provided to county residents. “Investment income is one way we can contribute to the County revenue and help pay for services that our residents have come to expect. It helps to keep the need for additional taxes low,” Burke said. Treasurer Burke reviewed $39 million of new investment purchases to the portfolio since last quarter. He explained that the market has drastically changed from last quarter. Nine-month to one-year investment interest rates have increased. In comparison, investors now have to go to a 3-year maturity in Government agency rates such as FHLB and FNMA to match the new short term rates. “Consequently,” Burke said “the current portfolio of about $70 million has been invested in shorter term investments. Our average weighted maturity is now 1.51 years.” He explained that to seek higher returns and to take advantage of current market trends the makeup of the portfolio has increased FDIC insured investments in the county’s portfolio to 37%, commercial paper to 33% and dropped U.S. agencies to 30%. County investments are governed by the Ohio Revised Code which does not allow investing of county funds in stocks or equities because of the risk involved in those types of investments. Interest bearings investments must have a five-year or less maturity. The portfolio is currently invested in about 72 different interest bearing securities. The County Treasurer also sends monthly reports reflecting the content of the investment portfolio to the members of the Investment Advisory Board and to the Treasurer of the State of Ohio. All county treasurers in Ohio are required to take continuing education courses each year approved by the State of Ohio Treasurer and Auditor. “This helps us keep up to date on market trends and changes in investment regulations” Burke explained. Economic conditions were also reviewed at the meeting. Treasurer Burke noted that the Federal Reserve has set a target rate of inflation at 2% and has indicated they will not increase their interest rate prior to the end of 2016 after the elections. Their last interest rate hike was in December of 2015. According to Meeder Investment Management of Dublin, Ohio, the probability of an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in the next year has increased from 30% to 70% since the end of June. This is another good reason to increase the short term investment holdings in the County’s portfolio. If you have any questions, please call the Medina County Treasurer’s office at 330.725.9748. Please Note: the information contained in this article was not intended to be nor should be considered investment advice. MEDINA COUNTY – Medina County Treasurer John Burke wants homeowners to be aware that Fix-It Fund home improvement loans will be available from Westfield Bank through the extended deadline of September 30th. With what looks like a warm fall on the horizon, residents can still get started on fall and winter projects.
MEDINA COUNTY, JULY 27, 2016 – “We have been waiting many years to have a new driveway, new roof, landscaping, our front stoop fixed and some new windows,” wrote one Wadsworth resident in an email to Treasurer Burke, “The ‘Fix-It Fund’ was perfect. It enabled us to take out a small loan with an excellent interest rate and 5-year payoff plan.”
Medina County Treasurer John Burke wants to remind Medina County homeowners that low fixed interest rate home improvement loans from the Fix-It Fund Program are now available through Westfield Bank at a fixed interest rate, which is up to 2% below the bank’s current rate. “Since its inception in 2002, this county-sponsored program has been very helpful to over 850 homeowners in Medina County, providing over $12.5 million dollars in loans,” Burke stated. “Last year, 28 loans were processed through the program totaling $630,000.” Almost all types of interior and exterior home improvements are eligible from smaller projects such as painting, flooring and lighting to window replacements, HVAC upgrades, remodels and additions. A few “luxury” improvements such as swimming pools, hot tubs and satellite dishes are not eligible. Loans can range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000 and are given on a first-come, first-served basis until the available funds are depleted. To qualify for this program, you must be a Medina County resident; your home must have an appraised home value of less than $200,000 (excluding land) according to the Medina County Auditor’s appraised value; and you cannot be delinquent on your real estate taxes. There is no maximum income limit to qualify for these loans. According to our records, about 90% of Medina County homeowners may qualify for a Fix-It Funds Loan. A Brunswick homeowner who also took advantage of the 2015 Fix-It Fund program wrote, “I am so pleased…I have my loan and just got my windows replaced…I am so excited about this program.”Qualified homeowners interested in low-interest home improvement loans may apply at Westfield Bank branches in Medina at 4015 Medina Road (Route 18) and Two Park Circle in Westfield Center. For more information, please contact the Medina County Treasurer’s office at 330.725.9746, medinacountytreasurer@medinaco.org or Westfield Bank, Cheryl Murrin at 330.764.6091, cherylmurrin@westfieldgrp.com. MEDINA COUNTY, OHIO – County Treasurer John Burke’s Unclaimed Funds search at the Medina County Fair started off strong when over $12,000 was located for one lucky resident on opening day. Wednesday was also a blue-ribbon day when the Treasurer’s staff helped another fairgoer find over $11,000. “I’m sure that money will be much appreciated by both residents,” said Burke. “It’s always fun when we “hit the jackpot” for someone.”
Each year, Medina County Treasurer John Burke and his staff provide fairgoers assistance with a free and secure online search for their share of the over $7 million in Unclaimed Funds being held by the State for Medina County residents. This year, the filing process was begun for 172 potential claims – a fair-week total of $54,849.55. “It wasn’t as much as last year’s near-record $73,139.43,” said Treasurer Burke. “but we were able to find claims of $1,000 or more for twelve persons who stopped by our booth, and quite a few over $100.” According to Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s website, each year 200,000 Ohioans lose track of some of their money, which eventually ends up with The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Unclaimed Funds. Most of these funds are monies that have been inactive for at least five years from savings, checking accounts, utility deposits, stock dividends and safe deposit contents. “Check every year or two to see if anything new appears in your name,” suggests Treasurer Burke, whose staff has located $1,684,054.40 in claims since 1998. Residents should be careful of companies or individuals that contact them about having unclaimed funds and offer to assist them in reclaiming the money for a percentage or fee. This is a common scam. The Treasurer’s Office will research it and assist residents for free or they can do it themselves. “I urge folks to stop by our Unclaimed Funds table when they see us out in the community so that we can run this free and secure online search,” recommends Treasurer Burke. For more information and assistance, call the Medina County Treasurer’s Office at 330.725.9748 or learn more online at medinacountytreasurer.com MEDINA, OHIO - JULY 25, 2016 — Each year 200,000 Ohioans lose track of some of their money, which eventually ends up with The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Unclaimed Funds, according to Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s website. These “unclaimed funds” are often balances from forgotten bank accounts or monies that simply can’t be found in financial records. Medina County Treasurer John Burke invites residents to visit his booth at the Medina County Fair where staff members will provide secure online searches of State unclaimed fund records to help residents see if there are monies due them.
Unclaimed funds are monies that have been inactive for at least five years, mostly from savings, checking accounts, utility deposits, stock dividends and safe deposit contents. If monies owed you are found, a staff member will print the form you need to get the claim process started. All you have to do is sign it, gather the necessary information and mail your papers to the state. The Treasurer’s booth will be open in the Community Building every day of the fair from 11am to 8pm. “This is a free service,” said Treasurer Burke, “and my staff enjoys helping people find what can sometimes be a fairly large amount of money. Last year, we found over $8,000 for one lucky person.” The Ohio Department of Commerce publishes an annual list of individuals who have missing money valued at $50 or more, which the State has received in the past year. At last year’s fair 273 claims were found totaling $73,139.43. According to the State, there is more than $7 million which rightfully belongs to Medina County residents. “Residents need to be careful of companies or individuals that may offer to help you find your unclaimed funds for a fee or percentage,” cautions Treasurer Burke, “This a common scam; you do not need to pay to get your money back or to have someone check with the State of Ohio. My staff will assist you for free or show you how to do it yourself.” Brochures about this year’s Fix-It Fund loan program will also be available at the Treasurer’s booth. Treasurer Burke reminds everyone that these low fixed interest rate home improvement loans from the Fix-It Fund Program are currently available through Westfield Bank at a rate, which is up to 2% below the bank’s current rate. Since its inception in 2002, the county-sponsored program has been helpful to over 850 homeowners in Medina County, providing over $12.5 million dollars in loans. A Brunswick resident who took advantage of the program last year wrote, “I am so pleased with how the Fix-It Fund program has worked for me. I have my loan and just got my windows replaced. I feel like I am in a brand new house. I am so excited about this program.” A Wadsworth couple who used their Fix-It Fund loan for a new driveway, roof, landscaping, front stoop and new windows “liked the flexibility of choosing [their] own contractors and scheduling the work at times that were convenient.” They also appreciated the “excellent interest rate” and five-year payment plan. For more information, call 330.725.9199 or visit medinacountytreasurer.com. The Treasurer’s office is located on the first floor of the County Administration Building, 144 North Broadway in Medina and is open weekdays from 8am to 4:30pm. MEDINA, OHIO, MAY 17, 2016 — Spring is here and homeowners considering renovating or remodeling their homes might want to take advantage of low fixed interest rates on loans from County Treasurer John Burke’s Fix-It Funds Program. Beginning May 16, 2016, Fix-It Funds loan money will be available to Medina County homeowners through Westfield Bank at a fixed interest rate, which is up to 2% below the bank’s current rate. “Since its inception in 2002, this county-sponsored program has been very helpful to over 850 homeowners in Medina County, providing over $12.5 million dollars in loans,” Burke stated. “Last year, 28 loans were processed through the program totaling $630,000.” Almost all types of interior and exterior home improvements are eligible including painting, wallpapering, lighting, flooring, plumbing, carpeting, furnaces, air conditioners, remodeling, additions, decks, window and door replacements, roofing, siding, gutters, driveways, and sidewalks. A few “luxury” improvements are ineligible, including swimming pools, hot tubs and satellite dishes. To qualify for this program, you must be a Medina County resident; your home must have an appraised home value of less than $200,000 (excluding land) according to the Medina County Auditor’s appraised value; and you cannot be delinquent on your real estate taxes. There is no maximum income limit to qualify for these loans. According to our records, about 90% of Medina County homeowners may qualify for a Fix-It Funds Loan. Burke said, “this year with Westfield Bank we expect to see some very attractive fixed interest rates depending on the borrower’s credit rating.” Loans can range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000 and are given on a first-come, first-served basis until the available funds are depleted. Qualified homeowners interested in low-interest home improvement loans may apply at Westfield Bank branches in Medina at 4015 Medina Road (Route 18) and Two Park Circle in Westfield Center. For more information about Fix-It Fund loans, please contact the Medina County Treasurer’s office at 330.725.9746, email: medinacountytreasurer@medinaco.org or Westfield Bank, Cheryl Murrin at 330.764.6091, email: cherylmurrin@westfieldgrp.com. |
Archives
May 2024
Categories
All
|