Addressing property tax problems

By Dr. Howard Fleeter

A new report from the nonpartisan Ohio Education Policy Institute (OEPI) tells the story of how Ohio residential and agricultural property taxpayer costs have increased significantly over many years as well as a series of options to address the problem.

Authored by R. Gregory Browning, former state budget director under Gov. George Voinovich, and Dr. Howard Fleeter, Ohio’s leading school funding expert, the report is titled “Analysis of Residential Property Taxes in Ohio: A Balanced Approach to Reform. It identifies four forces that have combined to raise residential property taxes to the point that Ohio ranks eighth nationally in the weight of these local taxes. The four forces include:

1) years of state tax reforms that include dramatically reduced state income tax rates, significant reductions to some and elimination of, other business property taxes, and reductions to the property tax “rollback” — the mechanism by which Ohio pays a share of local property taxes. These changes, done in response to significant economic challenges and tax fairness issues, have also come at a price:

• Since 1991, the residential and agricultural share of school property taxes has increased from 47.5 percent to 67.5 percent in 2023, while the business share of property taxes has decreased from 52.5 percent to 32.5 percent.
•  State tax revenue has not kept pace with inflation over the past 20 years, and Ohio is currently 42nd nationally in its ranking of state-only per capita taxation.
• State education expenditures over the past 20 years have not kept pace with inflation. While there has also been a decline in public school students over this period, per-pupil state education expenditures have increased an average of only 0.7 percent annually once adjusted for inflation. Ohio now ranks 45th in the state share of K-12 revenue, down from 35th in 2002.
• Overall, Ohio has fallen from 15th nationally in total per-pupil spending on K-12 education to 20th nationally, spending slightly less than the national average.

2) Dramatically escalating home values in recent years have turned into residential property tax increases despite long-standing legal constraints designed to stop this from happening.

3) A relatively slow-growing Ohio economy with a persistent pattern of below-average per capita personal income makes it relatively harder to pay ever-higher property tax bills.

4) The goodwill of residents to keep voting for local property tax increases — increases that arguably come more frequently with slower growth in state funding.

The report spells out a short list of policy principles, including tax fairness — particularly for low-income property taxpayers, people with disabilities and eligible veterans — and the need for the state-local school funding partnership to continue by sharing the burden of addressing residential and agricultural property tax reform.

The analysis ends with a list of policy options anchored in these principles and providing substantive ways to address real property tax problems in Ohio. These options include:

1) Limiting automatic property tax increases in school districts at the 20-mill (required) floor to the rate of inflation. School districts at this level include the majority of Ohio school districts.

2) Targeted and expanded property tax relief by meaningfully expanding the state’s existing homestead exemption and/or limiting taxation for these eligible people to no more than 1% of their property value, a rate that roughly approximates the national average.

3) Give local governments new tools to lower property taxes through a voter-approved local homestead exemption.

4) Provide schools and other local governmental entities with new tools to help them improve operational cost ediciencies, thereby reducing the need for further tax increases over time.

These ideas require further development but represent a balanced approach to real property tax reform. It’s an approach that will fix what is broken without destroying Ohio’s longstanding, largely well-working system of funding schools and other essential local governmental services.

Editor’s note: Dr. Howard Fleeter is a consultant with the Ohio Education Policy Institute.

Guest column: Beyond the Mortgage

By Brandon Klein

COLUMBUS — Buying a home is one of the largest purchases many individuals will ever make, that means there’s also the potential for this experience to become one of the largest headaches, especially if consumers aren’t prepared. To help ensure Ohioans are equipped with the information they need to fully understand the full financial commitment involved with buying a home, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing and Ohio Department of Insurance have partnered to break down these costs before someone enters the housing market.

Knowing the various components that contribute to a monthly mortgage payment is key to making informed financial decisions and avoiding unnecessary financial strain.A typical house payment consists of the following elements: principal and interest, escrow fees for homeowner’s insurance, property taxes and private mortgage insurance (PMI), which protects the lender if you are unable to make payments on your loan. When combined, these elements can significantly impact overall affordability, especially when compared to just looking at the cost of the home itself.

“We’ve recently heard from a number of real estate agents that homebuyers have had to back out of real estate agreements in the final stages due to surprises with costs,” said Daphne Hawk, Superintendent of the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. “Buying a home is one of the most significant financial commitments many people make. Having a full and complete understanding of the recurring costs, like property taxes and insurance, helps homebuyers avoid potential surprises and ensures they only commit to what fits their budget.”

Interest rates and varying tax and insurance rates across Ohio mean potential costs can fluctuate greatly from one area to another. Prospective homebuyers are encouraged to assess how each factor affects their payment and ensure their monthly housing costs don’t exceed 30 percent of their gross income. This benchmark can help to maintain financial stability and protect against overextending personal budgets.

Tips for Calculating Monthly Housing Costs

The Ohio Department of Insurance and the Ohio Department of Commerce offer the following tips to help buyers research and estimate their true house payment:

• Research interest rates: Compare rates across multiple lenders to find a competitive mortgage rate. Online loan calculators can help estimate monthly payments for different rates. Homebuyers should work with a lender to understand the rates and get preapproval before shopping for a home.
• Estimate property taxes: Access your local county auditor’s website or contact their office to identify current property tax rates in the area where you’re looking to buy. Homebuyers interested in purchasing a home should review property taxes of recently sold nearby homes to estimate potential costs.
• Understand PMI: If your down payment is less than 20 percent of the home, make sure to account for private mortgage insurance (PMI) in your calculations. PMI protects the lender if you are unable to make payments on your loan. You have the right to ask your servicer to cancel PMI on the date the principal balance of your mortgage is scheduled to fall to 80 percent of the original value of your home, so make a note of when that will occur. Note, this only applies to conventional loans, not government loans.
• Shop for insurance: Obtain homeowners insurance quotes from different companies and carefully compare coverage and prices to ensure appropriate financial protection. Work with an insurance agent to determine where coverage adjustments can impact the price, and consider bundling with other insurance policies to potentially save money.

By taking these steps, homebuyers can confidently determine what they can afford and avoid taking on a commitment that risks their financial security. The Ohio Department of Insurance offers a range of educational homeowners insurance information, including a guide to homeowners insurance, available at insurance.ohio.gov. Homebuyers can also learn more by accessing the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Homebuyers Guide here or by visiting com.ohio.gov/real.

Guest editorial: modern investments

By Dean Monske

Over the next decade there will be trillions of dollars invested in infrastructure for AI data centers in the United States. Now is the time for northwest Ohio to make certain we are prepared for what may be the largest economic development opportunity ever presented. Our region has already attracted billions of dollars of investment in this evolving space, and we have the opportunity to attract billions more, but only if we work together to lay the proper foundation for an extraordinary opportunity that will benefit our communities.

For too long our area has been bypassed when similar opportunities have come and ultimately gone. The jobs and revenue went to other markets while northwest Ohio still pursues its place in the new, advanced economy.

Many of our forefathers capitalized on opportunities to create a vibrant community. We built the wealth of the region by attracting and welcoming the glass and automotive assembly industries. We developed traditional energy facilities at our refineries, and with First Solar, we have taken the lead in the growing renewable energy sector. Those clusters will continue to serve us well, but Northwest Ohio needs more to prosper. We are a great place to live and work but we have still not returned to pre-Covid employment levels in our region. Too many of our children and grandchildren are moving elsewhere to build their futures. Our region’s population is in slow decline and our community’s wealth continues to erode.

As some of the largest businesses in the world look to locate next-generation investments, it is clear the Northwest Ohio area has the desired attributes. We have flat land, water and sewer infrastructure, a strong electrical grid, an advanced fiber backbone with multiple providers, and modern high volume and pressure natural gas lines to meet energy needs. We have outstanding universities to educate tomorrow’s workforce and a strong skilled trades and construction sector.

But our advantages are only temporary. Other regions are scrambling to build similar infrastructure to attract these developments. Our region needs to act quickly and carefully to maintain our lead.

Op-ed: Overide property tax vetoes

By Steve Stivers

Ohio’s business community is facing mounting challenges, and skyrocketing property taxes are at the top of the list. At the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, we represent more than 8,000 businesses of every size, industry, and region across our state. When we surveyed our members last year, one message came through loud and clear: the most pressing tax concern for Ohio’s employers is property taxes.

Since receiving those results, the Ohio Chamber has been working with other business associations, including Ohio REALTORS and the County Auditors’ Association of Ohio, to study the property tax system and tirelessly advocate for reforms.

That’s why we were encouraged to see the General Assembly take meaningful action in the state operating budget to curb the unsustainable growth in property taxes. Their commonsense provisions would have brought much-needed predictability and relief for employers and homeowners alike, particularly in a time of rising valuations and local levy growth. Unfortunately, that relief was vetoed.

Now, the Ohio Legislature has an opportunity — and a responsibility — to override those vetoes.

The property tax burden in Ohio has reached a tipping point. According to the Ohio Chamber’s Ohio Tax Benchmarking Analysis, property taxes in Ohio are 72 percent higher than the peer locations analyzed nationwide. Business owners across the state are being squeezed by double-digit increases in property valuations, compounded by an ever-growing stack of local levies. These rising costs erode competitiveness, discourage investment, and ultimately drive up costs for consumers.

Increasing home values paired with lack of ballot transparency have contributed to the overwhelming burden of increased property tax. In 2024, the average sale price of a home in Ohio increased by 7.3 percent compared to the previous year, reaching $291,062, according to Ohio REALTORS. And in 2024, inflation was 2.9 percent while (three-year) reappraisals increased home values by over 30 percent in many areas.

Guest column: travel scam dangers

By Jamie Crawford

COLUMBUS — With nearly 82 percent of Americans planning to travel this summer, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions is urging Ohioans to be on the lookout for travel scams and fraud as they plan their summer getaway.

Last year Booking.com reported there had been between a 500-900 percent increase in travel scams over the previous 18 months due to advancements in AI technology. Often times, these scams impact travelers before they ever arrive at the airport or hit the road. 

To keep travelers safe and informed, the Division is highlighting steps consumers can take – and what to look for – to ensure their travels go smoothly.

“The more informed you are, the easier it becomes to avoid becoming a victim,” said Division of Financial Institutions Superintendent Kevin Allard. “Planning a trip doesn’t have to be stressful. By following a few simple tips, you can safeguard yourself and your finances without unnecessary hassle.”

Common Travel Scams to Look Out For

Ohio travelers should remain on alert for these prevalent travel scams:

• The Arrival Trap: This involves individuals guiding travelers to use more expensive transportation options once they land at an airport.
• Guest Desk Deception: This involves a traveler receiving a call from someone who claims is from their hotel and says they need the traveler’s credit card information. That information is then used to be fraudulent purchases.
• “Free” Vacation Offers: Fraudulent vacation promotions often come with hidden fees and taxes. Legitimate companies won’t require payment in order to receive free prizes.
• Robocall Vacation Deals: Unsolicited robocalls offering discounted packages are often illegal and indicative of scams.
• Fake Travel Documents: Be wary of websites that charge for services such as visas or international driving permits that are available through legitimate government channels.
• Vacation Rental Fraud: This involves scammers creating fake vacation home listings to steal money from unsuspecting vacationers. Once payment is made, the scammers will disappear, and you may travel to a vacation rental that doesn’t exist.
• Charter Flight Scams: Be on the lookout for advertisements that promote charter flights that disappear once payment is made. 

How to Stay Safe

The Division encourages Ohioans to take the following precautions to avoid becoming a victim of travel scams:

• Do Your Research: Confirm the validity of travel offers, agents, and booking websites by checking reviews or verifying business details with trusted organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
• Know the Payment Methods: Avoid paying for travel packages or accommodations with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Consider using a credit card for added security.
• Be Wary of High-Pressure Tactics: Scammers will often push you to make quick decisions or payments. Be sure to take your time and ask for cancellation and refund policies upfront.

Tips to Plan a Secure Vacation

• Seek recommendations from trusted sources, including friends, family, or accredited travel agents.
• Use reliable travel booking platforms for airfare, hotels, or rentals, and double-check any unfamiliar websites for customer reviews and complaints.
• Compare hotel rates carefully, paying attention to hidden fees like resort charges and city taxes.
• If purchasing travel insurance, make sure the provider is licensed and review the terms of coverage thoroughly.

Travelers who suspect a scam should report it to local authorities or consumer protection agencies like the FTC or BBB to help combat fraud.

Op-ed: treatment courts effective

By Judge Jill T. Worthington

Every day, courtrooms across the United States are filled with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders. Without treatment to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, many will continue to cycle in and out of the justice system, burdening law enforcement and at tremendous expense to taxpayers. Treatment courts break this cycle by holding individuals accountable through a combination of treatment and rigorous supervision and returning them to the community as healthy, productive citizens. Today, approximately 4,000 treatment courts across the nation are now considered the most successful justice intervention in our nation’s history, proving that when one person, family, and community rises, we all rise.

May is National Treatment Court Month and the perfect time to tell the story of how our treatment court is vital to cutting crime, saving money, and making our community safe.

Courts Assisting Military Offenders, also known as CAMO Court, has had the privilege of seeing veterans reclaim their lives. While in the CAMO Court program, we helped a veteran, named Josh, re-engage in substance abuse treatment, maintain his sobriety, and recover from a physical injury which prevented him from regular employment. Throughout his time in CAMO Court, Josh went back to school and finished his bachelor’s degree. He is now working on his clinical requirements toward his master’s degree in counseling others with substance abuse issues! Today, Josh is happily engaged, building a family and contributing to his community.

This story is just one of the thousands of individual stories that demonstrate why treatment courts are so critical in the effort to address addiction and related crime. Approximately 65 percent of the U.S. prison population has a substance use disorder, and another 20 percent were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their crime. The largest and most comprehensive multi-site study ever conducted on treatment courts found reductions in crime averaging 58 percent and savings of more than $6,000 for every individual served. Further benefits include improved education, employment, housing, financial stability, and family reunification.

Treatment courts are our most effective approach to the devastation of addiction and justice involvement. This year’s National Treatment Court Month celebration should signal that the time has come to reap the economic and societal benefits of expanding this proven solution to all in need.

CAMO Court is held at 10 a.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Van Wert Municipal Court.

Editor’s note: Judge Worthington presides over Van Wert Municipal Court.

Opinion: tipping is out of control

By Gary Richards

After recently participating in a major online discussion with hundreds of other people across the USA about the pros and cons of tipping for services in this country and how it has grown out of control, out of proportion, is being abused by many businesses and people working in the service industry and is beginning to feel more like an obligation rather than what it actually should be (an actual non-obligatory tip/reward to service workers for providing the general public with good service), I decided it was time to discuss this important issue that has been on my mind and bothering me for a very long time now.

It seems that everywhere I go and everywhere I turn these days, some business or person has a tip jar on their countertop at the check-out, often nothing more than just a plastic cup or a jar with tips written on it. Before I get deeper into this, let me first state that I am and always have been a fair and good tipper, especially if the service that was provided to me was good or extra good, was for a service that is unique or special to me like having my car detailed, for a massage, a haircut, for a taxi ride or for an Uber driver, for a tour group leader who took me and a tour group on a guided tour somewhere, etc. I am even more generous with my tips if I know and like that person.

For full-service sit-down restaurants, which I frequent quite often, I try to give 20% IF my server is attentive and does a decent job. However, like many people I know and have talked to about this issue, including the people I discussed this with online, I am growing very tired of feeling obligated to tip people who are honestly not doing very much to earn my tip if they are providing me any kind of service at all. For example, why should I feel obligated to tip people who are literally just handing me my order when all I do is just walk in the door and request a pizza, a doughnut or some food item that is already made or extremely easy to make? I don’t.

Buffets are another problem for me. When all that a person is doing for me is clean my table and provide me with a glass of water and nothing more, which they would have to do anyway, then I really do not feel that I am obligated to tip that person, even though I typically do to some degree anyway.

Now let’s talk about sit-down restaurants, which is a completely different issue and poses more complex circumstances.

Here, I believe, people should tip their waiter and tip fairly generously if they were provided good, very good or exceptional service. But when restaurants tack on the gratuity automatically, that is the very last time I will step foot inside that establishment. In my humble opinion, a tip is a tip, it should be earned and should not be made to feel like an obligation. Automatic gratuities like that are nothing more than a tax that restaurants and their owners are demanding, not asking, that you pay or else you don’t eat at their establishment. This is a big no can do for me. And the general public should not be shamed into tipping at higher percentages either, which happens all the time these days. A person should be able to tip however and whatever they feel like tipping, without being unreasonable or a tightwad, of course.

While on a two-week fully escorted tour of Japan in September of 2024 with 39 other tourists like myself from Canada and the USA, it was refreshing for me and all of us to see that tipping is actually frowned upon in that country. In fact, most people in Japan will be insulted if you do so and will politely refuse your offer. You see, my friends, in Japan the people who work in the service industries are paid a respectable wage or salary that they can actually live on.

An unusual concept, isn’t it? The only exception to that rule was when my travel companion and I and the rest of our tour group, tipped our exceptionally good and hard-working tour guide and bus driver who were with us constantly for two solid weeks and did just about everything for us. I know that I (we) tipped them generously and that our tips were graciously accepted and appreciated by them. They earned their tips and that is the way it should be in this country as well. 

Gary Richards is a resident of Norwalk, Ohio. He is a teacher and traveler who likes to write about his trips.

Guest column: tips for holiday bills

By Jamie Crawford

COLUMBUS — As Ohioans await credit card bills from the recent holiday season, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) is sharing tips to help consumers work through any post-holiday financial headaches, whether it’s managing surprisingly large invoices or dealing with potentially stolen credit cards.

The National Retail Federation reported late last year that sales during the 2024 holiday season were expected to reach a new record. At the same time, according to a survey conducted by LendingTree, 36 percent of American consumers were expected to incur holiday debt with an average balance of $1,181, which is up from $1,028 in 2023.

DFI Superintendent Kevin Allard said the combination of spending more and going into debt can lead to an increased risk of carrying balances into the next holiday season, which can cause even greater financial pressure for consumers. 

“Although they’re quite common in January, larger-than-expected bills after the holidays can seem overwhelming and, at times, insurmountable,” Allard said. “It’s important for consumers to take a breath and realize there are steps they can take to address this financial challenge in the short term so their overall long-term financial outlook isn’t negatively impacted.”

To help manage holiday debt, Ohioans may consider taking the following steps if they receive a large bill:

• Negotiate a lower interest rate – Contact your creditors and emphasize your history of on-time payments or cite competitive offers from other companies. A single phone call could result in significant savings.
• Consider participating in a no-spend month – Offset holiday expenses by challenging yourself to limit spending to only necessities like housing, transportation, and groceries for an entire month.
• Create a debt payoff plan – Don’t panic if you are unable to pay off all your holiday spending immediately. Instead, develop a realistic plan that will allow you to pay it off as soon as possible. Just as important, make sure to stick to this plan.

When you receive your credit card bills in the mail, don’t focus on just the amount you owe. Instead, review each expense to ensure there isn’t anything out of the ordinary that may have driven up your bill up any higher than it should be.

According to Experian, credit card fraud remains a significant issue, with over 214,000 cases reported in the first half of 2024. If you believe your credit or debit card might have been compromised during the holiday season, DFI recommends taking the following steps:

• Cancel your card – Contact your card issuer or bank immediately to cancel the card and request a replacement. For debit cards, make sure to also update your PIN.
• Monitor your accounts – Regularly check statements and online activity for unauthorized transactions. If you notice any disputes or suspicious charges, report them immediately.
• Change passwords – Update your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised, and also be sure to update your login credentials. Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized new accounts from being created.
• Report the issue – Report stolen information to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov for additional support. 

 “We want Ohioans to feel empowered to take control of their financial future,” Allard said. “Whether it’s addressing holiday debt or protecting against fraud, taking a combination of both appropriate reactive and proactive steps can help you achieve greater financial stability.”

For more information and resources on financial health, fraud prevention, and credit improvement, visit DFI’s website.

Guest column: holiday shopping

By Jarrod Clay

COLUMBUS — With 2024 consumer spending expected to reach a new record this holiday season, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) has unveiled a free Holiday Gift Budgeting Guide to help Ohioans successfully navigate the upcoming season with fiscal responsibility in mind.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumer spending during the upcoming winter holiday is expected to reach $902 per person on average, which takes into account items such as gifts, food, and decorations. That’s a $25 increase from last year.

This comprehensive Holiday Gift Budgeting Guide offers a range of financial tips and practical advice related to preparing for and managing holiday expenses. In addition, the guide includes tips for parents on how they can use this time to educate children on smart financial and budgeting lessons.

“The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful on your finances,” said DFI Deputy Superintendent Rob Rutkowski. “By establishing smart and realistic budgeting strategies and goals, and sticking to them, Ohioans can help ensure they enjoy a memorable holiday season, while avoiding unpleasant financial surprises once the festivities are over.” 

The guide offers Ohioans a range of tips, including creating a holiday budget that transforms unexpected expenses into anticipated costs, starting to save early on, and planning any purchases well in advance. These holistic approaches, as well as others outlined in the guide, will help individuals better prevent or anticipate any holiday credit card bill shock come January. For example, thoughtful preparation ahead of time can allow individuals to take advantage of potential sales while avoiding any last-minute shopping trip splurges.  

Key strategies highlighted in the Holiday Gift Budgeting Guide include:

• Start Saving Early: Set aside funds well in advance of the holiday season to ease the financial burden.
• Set a Realistic Spending Limit: Determine what you can afford to spend on gifts, gatherings, and other holiday-related expenses, and stick to that number.
• Bundle Your Shipping: Save on delivery costs by bundling orders whenever possible.
• Take Advantage of Sales and Offers: Look out for discounts and promotions to help stretch your budget further.
• Create a Gift List: Plan gifts thoughtfully while paying careful attention to cost. This will help to ensure you stay within your budget and avoid impulse purchases.

For parents, the holiday season presents teachable moments for children. By involving children in holiday shopping, encouraging them to research affordable gifts, and engaging them in low-cost family activities, parents can impart lasting financial wisdom. Teaching children the core concept of budgeting through wish lists and gift research fosters an appreciation for financial responsibility starting at an early age. 

With careful planning, strategic budgeting, and disciplined spending, families can enjoy a fun holiday season without the burden of debt or financial stress.

Guest column: unclaimed funds

By Jarrod Clay

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Unclaimed Funds is currently safeguarding approximately $4 billion in unclaimed funds that is waiting to be claimed. Last year alone, Ohioans were able to put more than $139 million back into their pockets.

Unclaimed funds are lost or forgotten money that businesses and banks report to the Division of Unclaimed Funds after accounts become inactive, typically between 3-5 years. The money can come from inactive checking and savings accounts, refund/credit balances, uncashed cashier’s checks, stocks and bonds, forgotten utility deposits and final paychecks.

While this money can be claimed with just three simple steps, there are some common misconceptions when it comes to claiming Unclaimed Funds. The Division hopes to dispel these myths to encourage more Ohioans to claim what could be substantial funds.

You must pay to file a claim: False – It is 100 percent free to claim your unclaimed funds. While there are finders registered with the State of Ohio who charge fees for helping recover your funds, you can easily claim them for free on your own. In the event you need assistance, experts with the Division are available to walk you through the claims process.

Unclaimed Funds expire over time: False – unclaimed funds never expire, and the Division will continue to safeguard that money until it is claimed by the rightful owner or heir.

You’re careful with your finances so you don’t have unclaimed funds: False – One in seven Americans currently has unclaimed funds in their name. These unclaimed funds can come from a wide range of places, so even those who are on top of their finances could potentially have missing money they are unaware of.

You’ve claimed unclaimed funds in the past, so you don’t need to check again: False – Ohio businesses are required to report Unclaimed Funds on an annual basis, so even though you may have claimed missing money in the past, it’s possible that additional unclaimed funds belonging to you could be reported. That’s why it’s important to search for your missing money on a regular basis.

You should only search for your own unclaimed funds: False – The Division encourages Ohioans to search not only for their unclaimed funds, but the unclaimed funds of friends, family members and loved ones. That way, if you discover they have missing money, you can let them know. It’s also important to search for unclaimed funds that may belong to family members who are deceased so necessary steps can be taken to acquire those funds.

Securing Unclaimed Funds in Three Easy Steps

Ohioans can quickly and easily find and claim their unclaimed funds by taking three easy steps:

• search for money at unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov
• gather the required supporting documents
• send the information to the Division either online or by mail.

If you need any additional help, the Division of Unclaimed Funds has a number of video resources available to watch by clicking here.

Letters to the Editor

The VW independent welcomes the opinions of readers in the form of letters to the editor, provided the submissions are in good taste and refrain from attacking individuals. The VW independent has the right to decide whether or not any reader submission will be published. Letters may be subject to editing and may not be published in their entirety.

Letters should be emailed to editor@thevwindependent.com and must include your full name, complete address and telephone number. Your address and telephone number will not be published, but will be used for verification. Unsigned letters and letters containing personal attacks will not be published.

Columns and letters on the Opinion page are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the VW independent.

AAA3 supports senior levies

To the Editor,

Area Agency on Aging 3 submits this letter in support of the Van Wert Council on Aging two replacement senior citizen levies on the ballot November 4, 2025.

The mission of Area Agency on Aging 3 is to provide life-span resources that inspire, educate, and empower older adults, persons with disabilities and family caregivers. With the mission at Van Wert Council on Aging aligning with that of Area Agency on Aging 3, we support their endeavor for the replacement levies. By providing socialization, transportation, meals, as well as other services, Van Wert Council on Aging is helping older adults live life with independence and dignity in their homes.

The Van Wert senior levies are some of the lowest levies in the state per capita. With all of the proceeds going to Van Wert Council on Aging on .25 mill levy, and 84 percent going to Van Wert Council on Aging and 16 percent to Delphos Senior Citizens of the .20 mill levy, these levels are vital.  On a home/property valued at $100,000, both levies combined would run a homeowner about $16 a year.

As the aging population continues to grow, the services and support that Van Wert Council on Aging provides is vital to sustain the quality of life of the senior community. By receiving services provided by Councils on Aging and Senior Centers, older adults are able maintain their independence and live a fuller life by remaining in their homes. By remaining independent and not relying on assisted living, the strain on Medicaid lessens.

Once again Area Agency on Aging 3 is proud to support Van Wert Council on Aging in their pursuit of their two replacement levies on the November 4 ballot.

With regards,

Jacquelyn Lucke, Chief Executive Officer

Area Agency on Aging 3

Chamber supports Vantage levy

To the Editor,

Vantage Career Center has a proud tradition of preparing students for the workforce with diverse and comprehensive vocational training programs. With the proposed continuous funding levy, the center will be able to upgrade its facilities, incorporate modern technologies, and expand its curriculum to align with the fast-evolving job market. This investment ensures our students are better equipped to meet the demands of a competitive global economy.

Education and economic development go hand in hand. By approving this levy, the aim is to reduce unemployment rates, attract new businesses, and retain existing ones by providing a skilled workforce. The career center acts as a crucial pipeline supplying local businesses with talented and prepared individuals driving economic growth in our region.

Investing in education empowers individuals and strengthens community bonds. With enhanced resources, Vantage becomes a focal point for fostering innovation and collaboration, directly impacting our community’s quality of life.

A vote for the Vantage Career Center continuous funding levy is a vote for progress, innovation, and prosperity. It is about supporting 50 years of excellence in a community that values education, supports its youth, and looks forward to a thriving economic future. Let’s seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact, ensuring that Van Wert continues to be a great place to live, learn, and work. The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to support this crucial initiative.

Mark Verville

Van Wert Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Supporting our seniors

To the Editor,

As the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, it is our honor to support the Van Wert County Council on Aging during its 50th year of invaluable service to our community. The organization has been a cornerstone for our older adult residents, ensuring they maintain independence and dignity as they age.

Imagine Van Wert County without the Council on Aging. The absence of this essential institution would leave a significant void in our community, as numerous critical services would disappear. The Council’s transportation service, a lifeline for many, would no longer be available. How would our seniors reach their medical appointments in Fort Wayne and Lima without this donation-based service? Such loss would undeniably strain families, who would need to take on additional responsibilities, impacting their own daily lives and routines.

Furthermore, the Council provides essential guidance in navigating Medicare Health Insurance, a task complicated by its nature. Without their expert assistance, many seniors might find themselves bogged down in a maze of paperwork, unaware of the benefits available to them.

The Council also offers homemaker and chore assistance, allowing many older adults to remain in their homes safely. In the absence of these services, who would ensure our seniors live in a safe, clean environment?

The Senior Center is more than just a building; it is a hub of social interaction and support. Without it, where would our seniors gather to participate in social programs and activities, to make new friends or seek help with their daily needs? The resulting isolation could significantly affect their mental and emotional well-being, removing a necessary aspect of their quality of life.

On November 4, we urge the community to vote YES on the Senior Citizen Replacement Levies. With a combined levy ranking as the second-lowest in Ohio, the cost to homeowners is modest— just $15.75 annually for a $100,000 property, less than a penny a day. These levies are vital, providing 60% of the organization’s budget, with the rest from fundraising and contributions. Your support ensures that these crucial services continue uninterrupted.

Let us stand together as a community committed to the well-being of our older residents. By supporting the Van Wert County Council on Aging, we affirm the value of dignity, independence, and care for our seniors, ensuring they continue to live fulfilling lives.

Mark Verville

Van Wert Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Chamber voices support for library

To the Editor,

At the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, we believe strong communities are built on shared values, informed citizens, and access to opportunity. That’s why we’re proud to support the Brumback Library system and the upcoming 0.5-mill replacement tax levy that voters will decide on this November. This permanent, continuing levy would provide stable, long-term funding for library operations without requiring future renewal votes, allowing our libraries to focus on serving the community rather than repeatedly seeking funding.

Libraries today are dynamic community hubs that power economic growth and community development. From downtown Van Wert to surrounding townships, the Brumback Library system offers critical services that impact every corner of our region — helping students discover a love of reading, job seekers build résumés, small business owners access online tools, and families gather for learning and connection. For local businesses and employers, libraries help build the future workforce by improving literacy and digital skills, provide technology access that bridges the digital divide, and foster entrepreneurship through research and networking resources. Rising costs for staffing, utilities, and materials make it increasingly difficult for libraries to meet demand under existing funding levels, making this levy essential for maintaining current services.

This levy is not just about books — it’s about investing in our people, our workforce, and our shared future. It’s about ensuring that everyone in Van Wert County has equal access to knowledge, technology, and opportunity. As the voice of business in our region, the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to learn more about the 0.5-mill replacement levy and consider the far-reaching impact of their vote. Together, let’s keep the Brumback Library system strong — and Van Wert thriving.

See what the Brumback Library has to offer here

Mark Verville

Van Wert Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Residents invited to meet and greet

To the Editor:

We are faced with a choice to make in the next primary for our State Senator in District 1 here in northwest Ohio. Two good Republicans are running against one another but one stands out as the best choice. 

Our former State Representative, Craig Riedel of Defiance, has decided to enter this race. Craig is intimately in tune with the will and the needs of Van Wert County as our former House District 82 Representative.  Craig is a strong conservative who believes in eliminating Ohio’s income tax, lower property taxes, ending preferential programs like DEI, and forming a state based DOGE team. Craig was also a State Representative instrumental in crafting legislation to provide local control avenues for Ohio’s citizens on industrial wind and solar projects. Craig is not anti-wind or solar, he is pro-community choice. His stance is to let the local citizens decide the future of their communities. 

Craig has organized a meet and greet, town hall style, gathering set for 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Ohio City Community Building. It will be a great opportunity for those who do not know Craig as well as I do, to get to know him and ask him questions. 

I ask that you consider giving Craig your support in the next primary and please come on June 25 and see for yourself that Craig will be a great leader for Van Wert County in the Ohio Senate.

Jeremy Kitson
Wren

Writer supports Tressel for governor

To the Editor,
 
Our state and our nation are at a crossroads and who we choose to lead the State of Ohio next year will be an inflection point for the next decade.
 
Republicans who have served Ohio as governor from Rhodes to Voinovich to DeWine have been strong in creating a business climate that has fostered the creation of millions of jobs. They have been strong for the number one business in Ohio that sustains our many rural counties: agriculture.
 
These men and their administrations have faced tough economic times and led our state with a strength of character we need in our next governor. They succeeded as few have to strike a balance for a state as diverse socially, economically and geographically as Ohio.
 
The many economic successes Governor DeWine and now Senator Husted spearheaded in concert with all regions of the Buckeye State must continue with a governor with an eye on the next generation.
 
Ohio is profoundly blessed that Lt. Governor Jim Tressel in now seriously considering a run of his own for Governor. He comes with a heart and a lifelong resume of service to our state. He comes with a
proven record of leadership – of men, of institutions and of hearts and minds.
 
The next few months are crucial. Join with many in a groundswell of support for Jim Tressel. Time and again Jim Tressel as a coach and a university president and now Lt. Governor has been what Teddy Roosevelt called the “man in the arena” taking his chances to lead and answering the call to serve.
 
Give Jim Tressel a good hard look. When you do, I think we’ll be convinced to give him your support to be the next Governor of the Great State of Ohio.
 
Steve Lankenau
 
Defiance

Writer opposes school vouchers

To the Editor:

I want you to imagine for a moment that you had the power to selectively determine whether your individual tax dollars were used to pay for the maintenance of county or township roads, support the Council on Aging, or provide resources to your local volunteer fire department. In this scenario, you could determine that if you didn’t use particular roads, know anyone who participates in services for our retired community, or truly believe that a house was going to catch on fire in your neighborhood anytime soon, you could ask the government for a personal refund or direct those funds to a project of your own choosing.

I recently listened to a brief presentation from leaders of an aspiring local, religious charter school that made a similar sales pitch to area residents at a youth basketball game.  Their main idea was that taxpayers should be able to selectively redirect their tax dollars, in the form of vouchers, to schools of their choosing. Instead of paying money to support their local public school, they could apply for a voucher that funneled those resources to a private religious school that would be under far less scrutiny than the typical regulations that public schools face.  The message sounded quite convenient and even quite empowering. The problem is that this mechanism is counterproductive to the values, principles, and goals of American democracy in its simplest form.  The argument is designed to sound enticing and make citizens feel better about abandoning their civic duties to their communities.

You can most likely see the fallibility and satire embedded in the examples about individuals choosing to remove their tax dollars from projects that support public roads and infrastructure, vital services for our vulnerable populations, and emergency services for our own families and for our neighbors.  Why do we allow these same types of false assumptions to exist and perpetuate about how we choose to support our local public schools?

We already have the legal tools available to us as citizens to promote change in our local communities. We have the chance to vote to approve or decline levies, we have the choice to seek public office or invest our trust in elected officials to govern in our name, and we have the solemn obligation to protect our local institutions of public trust—namely our local public schools.  If we have concerns about how schools are operated, we should be encouraged to address those issues at local school board meetings or be empowered to seek a position on the elected boards themselves.  This is incredibly important to consider because Ohio was historically a cradle for public education having been carved out of the Northwest Territory and required to reserve actual public lands and resources for the development and sustainability of public education.

For the past three decades, political leaders in Columbus have slowly created a voucher system that has eroded public trust in public education and has drastically reduced resources to sustain public education.  Recent expansions of the EdChoice voucher program have cost the Ohio General Assembly nearly $750 million in 2023-2024, up from $400 million the previous year.  Additionally, the governor’s recent budget proposal includes provisions to allocate more than $1.25 billion on educational vouchers for the 2026-2027 school year, while reducing funding for traditional public schools by over $100 million.  This would lead to approximately 360 school districts (59 percent of all Ohio public school districts) seeing an overall decrease in taxpayer funding from the Ohio General Assembly. In case you’re wondering, our local Van Wert County schools are included in those districts that would stand to lose significant funding from Columbus.  The governor and key statewide legislators expect our local public schools to do more with less funding while private and parochial schools benefit from expanded bailouts.

Many rural taxpayers have ignored the voucher scheme in the past, confident that their local school districts were immune from the poaching of public funds from their local district’s coffers. They have largely attributed the voucher program as something that is for “urban districts” or merely offers alternatives to traditional public schools akin to open-enrollment policies from school to school. Meanwhile, Ohio legislators have expanded voucher accessibility to families that earn up to 450 percent of the poverty level.  That means that a family of four that earns $140,000 will automatically qualify for $6,166 for K-8 educational vouchers and $8,408 for high school.  A program that was initially marketed as allowing students and families to “escape failing schools” has transitioned into a taxpayer-funded program to subsidize private and parochial schools across the state of Ohio. 

According to Policy Matters Ohio, only 3,000 of the 69,000 voucher recipients in 2023-2024 attended a private or parochial school the previous year.  That means that your public tax dollars are being overwhelmingly used to subsidize the tuition of currently enrolled students.  Across the state, only 17% of those voucher recipients qualified as low-income in 2023-2024 as opposed to 68 percent of voucher recipients in 2022-2023.  These private and parochial schools have been historically concentrated in or near urban areas, but the overall expansion of the Ohio General Assembly’s voucher program has affected the amount of resources that are available for public education.  While 90 percent of Ohio’s students are being educated in public schools, an increasing amount of YOUR tax dollars are being siphoned away to subsidize and support private and parochial schools. 

As fewer funds are appropriated for public education in the statewide budget process, you can expect local school districts to increase the frequency with which they have to approach voters about levies for general operating expenses, renovations and additions, and services that impact the entire district community.  We live in a part of Ohio that takes tremendous pride in the success of our local school districts. Do we want to endure years of increased local taxes to support our local public school districts because state legislators have already spent our hard-earned tax dollars on bloated subsidies for private and parochial schools?  A family’s decision to send their children to a private or parochial school should not mean that our local districts have to do more with less financial resources.  It’s time that we stand up for our local schools, our local communities, and our children’s educational future. Please contact your state representative, state senator, or the governor’s office and join me in taking a stand against increased voucher subsidies on the public’s dime.

James Lautzenheiser

Convoy

Operation Christmas Child a success

Dear Editor,

The overwhelming generosity of the people of Van Wert, helped provide joy to more than 15,729 children through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts this season. Across the U.S., the Samaritan’s Purse project collected 10.5 million shoebox gifts in 2024. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2024, the ministry is now sending over 11.9 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Shoebox packers brought joy and hope to children around the world through fun, full, personalized shoebox gifts. For many children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love, given to children in need around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Across Ohio, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling  937-374-0761.

Although local drop‑off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until November 17-24, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.

These simple shoebox gifts, packed with love, remind children around the world that they are loved and not forgotten.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Fishbaugh
Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child

Program coordinator gives thanks

To the Editor:

On behalf of Lincolnview Schools, I would like to take this time to thank our students, staff, and community members for helping to make 12 years of honoring our Veterans a success. It was a privilege to have so many Veterans present for our program.  I am grateful to every person who brought a Veteran with them, submitted a name of a Veteran, or paid tribute to their Veteran in our memorial portion of the program.

I am very proud of our fourth grade students who sang the National Anthem under the direction of Mr. Scott Turner as well as our incredible concert band who performed March of the Armed Forces and Mansions of the Lord under the direction of Mr. Mike Archinal.

Our keynote speakers were Cameron and Mary Moore from Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. We enjoyed learning more about this amazing organization and are excited to donate to this cause which will allow for more Veterans to take this incredible trip. If you are a Veteran or have a Veteran you would like to submit for an Honor Flight, please visit: www.hfnei.org for more information and an application form.

I would also like to acknowledge our very generous program sponsors. Without the amazing support from these businesses, organizations, and families – this program would not be possible.

*Industrial Maintenance Team
*Dr. Amanda Curtis, Dean of the School of Business and Social Sciences-Lake Erie College
*H.A. Dorsten, INC.
*Randy Carey: Carey Insurance and Financial Services
*Thaison Leaser: Edward Jones
*Vancrest Management Corp.
* Randy Myers: Leland Smith Insurance Services
* 1st Federal of Van Wert
*Jon Sell – Franchise Owner – Biggby Coffee
*Amber & Scott Davis families in memory of Ronnie Davis
*The Merkle Family
*Mike Lichtle: Laudick’s Jewelry
*Tim Slusher: Slusher’s Jewelry
*Straley Realty
*Ayers Service Group
*Tisha Fast
*Braun
*Van Wert Cinemas
*Lewis Family McDonalds
*Kill Family Farms
*Venedocia Lions Club
*GLM Transport
*G&S Mechanical Services
*Dellinger Bros.
*Daniel Shellabarger
 
Lincolnview is very proud of all Veterans and grateful for the service they have given to our country.   Our Veterans are treasures, so make certain you thank a Veteran –not only on Veteran’s Day–but all year long.

Thank you again to the entire Lincolnview Community.

Mrs. Stephanie Renner, Program Coordinator