**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**County Auditor Terence G. Habermehl and Treasurer Kyle Rudduck Partner with Merchants National Bank to Bolster Fraud Protection**
Wilmington, OH, March 13, 2024 — In a proactive move to fortify financial security measures within the county, County Auditor Terence G. Habermehl and Treasurer Kyle Rudduck proudly announce a strategic collaboration with Merchants National Bank (MNB) to implement a robust fraud protection system.
With the increasing sophistication of fraudulent activities targeting government agencies and businesses alike, safeguarding taxpayer funds has become paramount. As such, the County Auditor's Office and the Treasurer's Office have joined forces with MNB to introduce Positive Pay, a cutting-edge verification process designed to enhance security and mitigate risks associated with accounts payable payments.
Positive Pay operates as a comprehensive fraud prevention tool, allowing for real-time verification of checks presented for payment against a predefined list of authorized transactions. By leveraging this innovative technology, our county's financial institutions can promptly identify and flag any suspicious or unauthorized payments, thereby safeguarding taxpayer dollars and maintaining the integrity of our financial operations.
"Ensuring the security and integrity of our county's finances is of utmost importance," stated County Auditor Terence G. Habermehl. "By partnering with Merchants National Bank to implement Positive Pay, we are taking proactive steps to fortify our defenses against fraudulent activities and protect the interests of our constituents."
Treasurer Kyle Rudduck echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the Auditor's Office, the Treasurer's Office, and MNB in bolstering fraud protection measures. "In today's digital age, we must stay ahead of emerging threats to safeguard public funds," Treasurer Rudduck remarked. "Positive Pay represents a significant advancement in our ability to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions, ultimately enhancing the security of our county's financial transactions."
Merchants National Bank, recognized for its commitment to innovation and security in banking solutions, welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the County Auditor's Office and the Treasurer's Office in implementing Positive Pay.
"At Merchants National Bank, we are dedicated to providing our clients with state-of-the-art tools and technologies to safeguard their financial assets," said Denise Fauber, Chief Operating Officer. "We are proud to partner with the County Auditor's Office and the Treasurer's Office in deploying Positive Pay, a sophisticated fraud prevention solution that underscores our collective commitment to protecting the financial interests of the community."
The rollout of Positive Pay marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance fraud protection and ensure the responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds within the county. By harnessing the power of technology and fostering collaborative partnerships with leading financial institutions like Merchants National Bank, County Auditor Terence G. Habermehl, and Treasurer Kyle Rudduck reaffirm their commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Terence G. Habermehl, 937-382-2250 ext. 1134, habermehltg@clintoncountyohio.us
Kyle Rudduck, 937-382-2224 ext. 2224, kyle.rudduck@clintoncountyohio.us
Merchants National Bank, Electronic Banking Department, 937-393-1993 ext. 80101, electronicbanking@merchantsnat.com
December 1, 2023
NEWS RELEASE
Dog tags officially go on sale Friday, December 1, 2023 for the 2024 license year according to Clinton County Auditor Terry Habermehl. His office will be sending out renewal applications to all dog owners who purchased a 2023 tag. In addition, he is reminding kids of the ongoing coloring contest taking place to promote the purchase of dog licenses for 2024. Kids, 10 and under, are encouraged to stop by the county auditor’s office or visit the auditor’s website for details.
The last day to purchase 2024 Clinton County dog license without a penalty being assessed is January 31, 2024. The cost of a single dog license is $14.00, and a kennel license is $70.00. Recent law changes allow dog owners to now purchase three year and permanent dog licenses for their dogs. The cost of a three-year license is $42 and a permanent license is $140. Effective February 1st, 2021, the Ohio Revised Code requires the Auditor to charge a penalty equal to the fee of the license for late registration. Thus, regular tags will be $28 each and $140 for kennels starting February 1, 2021.
Regular dog licenses can be purchased in person at the Clinton County Auditor’s office during regular office hours throughout the year.
The auditor’s office has contracted with Fairfield Licensing to offer a convenient method of purchase for Clinton County residents through online registration. There is an additional $2 charge per tag for this service. Please visit www.doglicenses.us/oh/clinton to take advantage of this service. Residents can also access the service via a link on the Clinton County Auditor’s home page.
December 1, 2023 through January 31, 2024, Mr. Habermehl has also authorized the following local retailers to sell dog tags for an additional fee:
BUCKLEY BROS DRIVE THRU
BROWNS DISTRIBUTING
BDK FEED & SUPPLY
VILLAGE OF NEW VIENNA WATER DEPT
D & G’s PAWS & CLAWS SNACK SHACK
PBS ANIMAL HEALTH
If you are unable to make it to any of the listed locations above, you may send your dog and owner information to the Auditor’s office and a tag will be issued and mailed back to you. Please include an additional $1.00 processing fee for this service to cover postage and mailing costs.
Kennel licenses can be renewed through the mail with the renewal application that is being mailed out to previously registered Kennel owners. NEW kennel licenses can ONLY be purchased at the Clinton County Auditor’s office in the Clinton County Administrative Campus. If you have questions concerning your eligibility for a kennel license, please contact the Auditor’s Office for more information.
November 13, 2023
WILMINGTON - Clinton County Auditor Terence Habermehl has announced a coloring contest for children age 10 and under with the winner receiving recognition on the auditor’s website as well as a free 2024 Ohio dog license.
Kids interested in participating can stop at the Clinton County Auditor’s office to pick up an entry form (picture to be colored) or download one from the auditor’s website at https://clintonoh-auditor.schneidergis.com/. Colored pictures must be returned by December 15, 2023 to be eligible. Auditor team members will then select a winner who will be notified by the auditor’s office. Colored pictures must have the child’s first name on the front with their full name, parent’s full name, address, telephone number and the name of their dog on the back.
“This is a fun way to introduce the 2024 dog license season, which runs from December 1, 2023 through January 31, 2024 and encourage dog owners to purchase their 2024 licenses,” stated Habermehl.
According to the auditor, a press release will be provided in the coming weeks with details on how dog owners can purchase their annual dog licenses as required by law.
PRESS RELEASE
November 6, 2023
WILMINGTON - Clinton County Auditor Terence Habermehl has announced that the Ohio Department of Taxation has tentatively approved the new real estate values established for the state-ordered 2023 revaluation of real property and are now available for review. The new property values can be found on the auditor’s website at: http://clintonoh-auditor-classic.schneidergis.com/ or by calling the auditor’s office at (937) 382-2250 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday-Friday.
Ohio law requires that a revaluation take place every six years to review each property in the county and make adjustments based on market activity to ensure fair and equitable values. According to Habermehl, the economic and market conditions have dramatically increased since the last update, and have been reflected in the market values established during the 2023 revaluation.
New property values are established as of January 1, 2023 in accordance with Ohio law. Taxes are paid one year in arrears, therefore, tax bills payable in calendar year 2024 will be based on the new property valuations. Habermehl noted that the state will not set new tax rates until the end of December. Therefore, at this time, it is impossible to estimate a property’s new real estate taxes.
For residential properties, Auditor Habermehl is offering in-person Informal Value Review to provide taxpayers the opportunity to review and have questions answered regarding their new property valuation. Taxpayers can also email the auditor at auditor@clintoncountyohio.us with questions or concerns and a real estate specialist will respond.
Appraisal staff will be available for Informal Value Review in the training room at the Clinton County Administrative Campus located at 1850 Davids Drive in Wilmington. These reviews will be on a first-come, first served basis on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 8:00am - 12:00pm; Thursday November 30, 2023 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm; Monday, December 4, 2023 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm; and Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
Dog tags officially go on sale Wednesday, December 1, 2022 for the 2023 license year. Clinton County Auditor, Terence G. Habermehl, will be sending out renewal applications to all owners who purchased a 2022 tag.
The last day to purchase 2023 Clinton County dog license without a penalty being assessed is January 31, 2023. The cost of a single dog license is $14.00, and a kennel license is $70.00. Recent law changes allow dog owners to now purchase three year and permanent dog licenses for their dogs. The cost of a three-year license is $42 and a permanent license is $140. Effective February 1st, 2023, the Ohio Revised Code requires the Auditor to charge a penalty equal to the fee of the license for late registration. Thus, regular tags will be $28 each and $140 for kennels starting February 1, 2023.
Regular dog licenses can be purchased in person at the Clinton County Auditor’s office during regular office hours throughout the year.
The auditor’s office has contracted with Fairfield Licensing to offer a convenient method of purchase for Clinton County residents through online registration. There is an additional $2 charge per tag for this service. Please visit www.doglicenses.us/oh/clinton to take advantage of this service. Residents can also access the service via a link on the Clinton County Auditor’s home page.
December 1, 2022 through January 31, 2023, Mr. Habermehl has also authorized the following local retailers to sell dog tags for an additional fee:
BUCKLEY BROS DRIVE THRU
BROWNS DISTRIBUTING
VILLAGE OF NEW VIENNA WATER DEPT
PBS ANIMAL HEALTH
BDK FEED & SUPPLY
D & G’s PAWS & CLAWS SNACK SHACK
If you are unable to make it to any of the listed locations above, you may send your dog and owner information to the Auditor’s office and a tag will be issued and mailed back to you. Please include an additional $1.00 processing fee for this service to cover postage and mailing costs.
Kennel licenses can be renewed through the mail with the renewal application that is being mailed out to previously registered Kennel owners. NEW kennel licenses can ONLY be purchased at the Clinton County Auditor’s office on the first floor of the Courthouse. If you have questions concerning your eligibility for a kennel license, please contact the Auditor’s Office for more information.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given in compliance with section 5713.01, 5713.041, 5713.32, 5713.35, 5727.06, 5715.17 O.R.C., that real estate values of Clinton County for tax year 2021 have been completed in accordance with sections 5713.03, 5713.31, 5715.01 and 5715.19 O.R.C. and with the rules and methods applicable of the County adopted, prescribed and promulgated by the Commissioner of Tax Equalization, are open for public inspection at the office of the County Auditor, First Floor, Clinton County Court House, 46 South South Street, Wilmington, Ohio. Formal complaints against any valuations or assessments except the valuation fixed and assessments made by the Department of Taxation of Ohio, which appear on the tax duplicate of the current year may be filed after January 1, 2022. Complaints must be made in writing on forms furnished by the County Auditor and filed in the Auditor’s Office before March 31, 2022.
WILMINGTON - Clinton County Auditor Terence Habermehl has announced that new, tentative real estate values established for the state-ordered 2020 triennial update of real property are now available for review. The new property values can be found on the auditor’s website at: http://clintonoh-auditor-classic.schneidergis.com/ or by calling the auditor’s office at (937) 382-2250 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Wednesday.
A new Tax Estimator add-on has been released to help you estimate your taxes.
Homestead Exemption Program Expanded - State Legislature has expanded the Homestead Exemption Program, a property tax reduction program, for all senior citizens and permanently disabled homeowners. Visit the Homestead Exemption page for more information and to download an application.