Erie County Auditor Since 2011
A Record of Results
This is the work of an office and its dedicated staff - earning state recognition, returning money to the community, and modernizing how Erie County serves its taxpayers.
Clean Audits & Financial Reporting Awards
State and national recognition for accurate, transparent county finances.
Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction
The office earned this "clean" audit recognition for FY2021, FY2022, and FY2024. Fewer than 5% of government entities in Ohio receive the award with Distinction, placing Erie County among the top tier of counties statewide.
GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The Government Finance Officers Association awarded its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY2020 and FY2021 - the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting
The GFOA also recognized the office for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for FY2021 - reporting county finances in a clear, accessible way for everyday residents.
Money Back to the Community
Careful stewardship that returns dollars to local government.
Over $650,000 refunded to political subdivisions
The office refunded more than $650,000 to political subdivisions across Erie County - including townships and school districts - returning money to the local governments and schools that serve residents.
Property Valuation & Technology
Accurate valuations powered by modern tools.
2024 sexennial reappraisal - 46,616 parcels, on time
The office completed the state-required 2024 reappraisal of all 46,616 county parcels on time, using contracted appraisers and modern aerial imagery to keep valuations accurate and fair.
AI-assisted new construction detection
The office uses AI applied to aerial imagery to produce a ranked list of likely new construction sites - scored by confidence - so field staff check the highest-probability sites first. This replaces blanket field canvassing and focuses resources where they matter.
NearMap aerial imagery - twice a year, full county
The office replaced an expensive once-every-three-years aerial flight with two flights per year at roughly half the cost, and extended coverage from 75% of the county to 100% - including Kelleys Island. That imagery also powers the maps on the auditor's website.
Transparency Tools
Public information, available online to every resident.
Open Checkbook & online property search
The office offers an Open Checkbook portal for county spending and payroll, along with an online property search so residents can look up records anytime.
GIS maps, tax estimator & unclaimed funds
Interactive GIS maps include flood, soil, and wetland overlays. A property tax estimator and an unclaimed funds search help residents plan and recover money owed to them.
Online homestead & tax-relief filing
Eligible residents can file online for the homestead exemption and other tax-relief programs - making it easier to access the savings they qualify for.
A Leaner, More Efficient Office
More service from a smaller, smarter operation.
Staff reduced from 21 to 14 - no layoffs
Through software and process improvements, the office reduced staffing by roughly a third - from 21 to 14 - without layoffs and without cutting service levels. As people chose to leave, positions were simply not refilled and responsibilities were reconfigured.
City of Sandusky Volunteer of the Year
In September 2023, Rick was named the City of Sandusky's Volunteer of the Year - reflecting a commitment to the community that extends well beyond the auditor's official duties.
"Doing the right thing - even when no one is looking."
There is more work to do. Rick is asking for your vote on November 3, 2026.