It is common for property owners in Columbiana County to feel confused about which office to visit for their needs. While both the Auditor and the Treasurer work out of the courthouse in Lisbon and deal with property taxes, their roles are completely different.
Think of it this way: The Auditor decides how much you owe, and the Treasurer collects the money.
1. The County Auditor: The “Assessor”
The Auditor is the Chief Fiscal Officer and the assessor for the county. Their primary job regarding property is valuation and calculation.
What the Auditor Handles:
- Property Valuation: Every three and six years, the Auditor determines the market value of your home and land.
- Tax Calculation: The Auditor applies local tax rates (levies) to your assessed value to determine the final dollar amount of your tax bill.
- Exemptions & Rollbacks: This is where you apply for the Homestead Exemption, Owner-Occupancy Credit, or CAUV (Agricultural use).
- Property Transfers: When you buy or sell a home, the Auditor must “transfer” the deed and update the tax records.
- Licensing: They also issue dog licenses, vendor licenses, and weights and measures certifications.
Visit the Auditor if: You think your property value is too high, you want to apply for a tax discount, or you are changing the name on a deed.
2. The County Treasurer: The “Banker”
The Treasurer is the Chief Investment Officer and the tax collector. Their job is cash management and collection.
What the Treasurer Handles:
- Tax Billing & Collection: The Treasurer mails out the physical tax bills and processes your payments (Online, Mail, or Kiosk).
- Due Dates: They set and enforce the payment deadlines (Feb 20 and July 31 for 2026).
- Payment Plans: If you want to join the TIP (Tax Installment Payment) program for monthly payments, you talk to the Treasurer.
- Delinquencies: If you are behind on taxes, the Treasurer manages the foreclosure process or tax lien sales.
- Investment: They manage the county’s multi-million dollar investment portfolio to earn interest for local services.
Visit the Treasurer if: You need a copy of your tax bill, you want to pay your taxes, or you need to update your mailing address.
3. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | County Auditor | County Treasurer |
| Primary Role | Valuing Property (Assessor) | Collecting Money (Banker) |
| Main Task | Sets the property value | Mails and collects the bill |
| Discounts | Manages Homestead & CAUV | Manages Payment Plans (TIP) |
| Address Changes | Changes Owner Address | Changes Billing Address |
| Land Info | Handles GIS & Parcel Maps | Handles Delinquency Records |
4. The “Check and Balance” System
The reason these offices are separate is to ensure accountability. The Auditor maintains the financial records and “books,” while the Treasurer handles the actual cash. This prevents any single office from having total control over the county’s money.
Both officials sit on the Board of Revision, where they hear complaints from homeowners about property values, but they approach the issues from different professional angles.
Conclusion
If you have a question about “How much is my home worth?” or “Am I eligible for a discount?”, call the Auditor at (330) 424-9515.
If you have a question about “When is my tax payment due?” or “Did you receive my check?”, call the Treasurer at (330) 424-9514.
FAQs
I disagree with my property’s market value. Who do I call?
You should contact the County Auditor. If you believe your home is overvalued, you have the right to file a valuation complaint with the Board of Revision by March 31st. The Auditor’s staff will provide the necessary forms and explain the evidence you need (like a recent appraisal).
How do I change my mailing address for tax bills?
This is handled by the County Treasurer. Ohio law (ORC 323.12) requires that mailing address changes be submitted in writing. You can mail your request to the Treasurer’s Office at 105 S. Market Street, Lisbon, OH 44432.
Can I get a tax reduction if I am a senior citizen?
Yes, but you must apply through the County Auditor. The Homestead Exemption program is available for residents 65 and older (or those permanently disabled) who meet income requirements. Once the Auditor approves your application, the discount is automatically applied to the bill collected by the Treasurer.
My mortgage company pays my taxes. Why did I receive a bill?
The Treasurer often sends a copy of the bill to the property owner for their records even if an escrow account exists. You should verify with your mortgage company that they have requested the billing data. You can also check your payment status on the Treasurer’s website to ensure your lender has remitted the funds.
Can I pay my property taxes with a personal check?
Yes. Personal checks should be made payable to the Columbiana County Treasurer. To ensure your payment is credited correctly, always write your parcel number in the memo portion of the check.
I missed the deadline and have a late fee. Can it be waived?
You can appeal a late penalty fee by filing a complaint form with the County Treasurer. You will need to provide a valid reason why the payment was late. Contact the Treasurer’s office at (330) 424-9514 for the specific form and instructions.
