Jun
20
Meet & Greet at Sandusky Farmers Market
Stop by to talk with Steve about county priorities and ask questions in person.
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"Doing the right thing - even when no one is looking."
Honest stewardship. A modern, efficient office. Accountable to every Erie County taxpayer.
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Richard H. "Rick" Jeffrey has served as Erie County Auditor since 2011. A lifelong member of the Firelands community, Rick and his wife Gayle live in the Eagle Crest area on the Perkins Township side of the county. His children attended Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo.
Rick's roots in local education run deep: his father was one of the men instrumental in founding what became the BGSU Firelands campus in the 1960s. Rick himself completed his degree at BGSU Firelands, where he studied accounting - a foundation that has shaped a career built on careful stewardship of public dollars.
He is an affiliate member of the Firelands Association of REALTORS and is active with the Greater Sandusky / Erie County Chamber of Commerce. In September 2023, he was named the City of Sandusky's Volunteer of the Year, and he continues to volunteer across the community well beyond his official duties.
First elected in 2010 - by just seven votes after a contested count - Rick was sworn into his fourth consecutive term on March 13, 2023 by Judge Robert DeLamatre. A self-described continuous learner, he often repeats a lesson from his Bowling Green days: "The day you stop learning is the day you should retire."
"Anybody can do the right thing when somebody's looking over your shoulder. It's that special individual that does the right thing when nobody's looking."
Under Rick's leadership, the Erie County Auditor's office has earned state recognition for clean finances, returned money to the community, and modernized how the county serves taxpayers.
The office earned the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction for FY2021, FY2022, and FY2024 - a "clean" audit recognition that fewer than 5% of government entities receive, placing Erie County among the top tier of Ohio counties.
The office refunded more than $650,000 to political subdivisions across the county - including townships and school districts - money put back to work for local residents.
The office completed the 2024 sexennial reappraisal of all 46,616 county parcels on time, using contracted appraisers and modern aerial imagery to keep valuations accurate and fair.
Through software and process improvements, the office reduced staff from 21 to 14 - roughly a one-third reduction - with no layoffs and no cut to service levels. Positions were simply not refilled as people moved on.
With the 2024 reappraisal raising residential values countywide, taxes are the defining issue of this cycle. Rick's message is straightforward: the auditor sets property values, not tax rates. Rates come from levies approved by voters and the budgets of other taxing bodies. The auditor's duty is to value property accurately and fairly.
Rick's core focus is doing more with less. By embracing technology - including AI-assisted construction detection and updated aerial imagery - the office reduced staffing by roughly a third without layoffs or service cuts, saving taxpayers money along the way.
From the Open Checkbook spending portal to online property search, GIS maps, a tax estimator, and unclaimed funds search, the office puts public information in residents' hands. Rick believes taxpayers deserve clear, easy access to how their money is valued, collected, and spent.
Most residents never learn what the auditor actually does. Rick wants to change that. The office is the county's chief fiscal officer - handling property valuation, tax distribution, weights and measures, dog and vendor licensing, and more - and an informed public makes for better government.
Answers about the auditor's office, property taxes, and the November 2026 election in Erie County.
Stop by to talk with Steve about county priorities and ask questions in person.
+ Add to Google CalendarCommunity event. The Erie County Republican Party participates in the Vermilion Fish Festival Parade. Parade lineup begins at 10:00 AM.
+ Add to Google CalendarCommunity event. Stop by the July 4th Celebration booth in Downtown Sandusky. Open 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
An open community conversation on county services, the budget, and property tax relief.
+ Add to Google CalendarCommunity event. The Erie County Republican Party participates in the Huron River Fest Parade. Parade lineup begins at 10:00 AM.
Community event. The Erie County Republican Party participates in the Kelleys Island Fest Parade. Parade lineup begins at 9:30 AM. Please schedule ferry transportation accordingly.
+ Add to Google CalendarCommunity event. The Erie County Republican Party participates in the Castalia Cold Creek Celebration Parade. Parade lineup begins at 1:00 PM.
+ Add to Google CalendarCommunity event. The Erie County Republican Party participates in the Berlin Heights Basket Festival Parade. Parade lineup begins at 12:30 PM.
+ Add to Google CalendarFamily-friendly picnic with the campaign. Lawn signs available.
Community event. Visit the Republican booth at the Erie County Fair. The fair runs August 10 through 15, 2026.
+ Add to Google CalendarCommunity event. The Erie County Republican Party participates in the Milan Melon Festival Parade. Parade lineup begins at 12:00 PM.
Rick's campaign relies on residents who care about Erie County. Whether you have a question, want a yard sign, or want to volunteer, we'd love to hear from you.
Erie County service area
"Doing the right thing - even when no one is looking."
If you are in Erie County, I want to hear from you.