A Plain-Language Guide
The Auditor's Office
The County Auditor is the chief fiscal officer of Erie County. The office touches nearly every resident - it values property, keeps the county's books, makes sure the scales and pumps you use are honest, and puts public information online. Here is what it actually does.
46,469
parcels valued across the county
Twice a year
aerial imagery, full county including Kelleys Island
6-year
reappraisal cycle required by Ohio law
What the Office Does
Chief Fiscal Officer
As Erie County's Chief Fiscal Officer, Rick Jeffrey's office processes payroll and pays the bills for nearly every county department and agency.
Real Estate & Property Valuation
The office appraises every parcel of real property in the county so that values are accurate and fair. Ohio law requires a full reappraisal every six years, with an update at the three-year mark. The auditor sets property values - it does not set tax rates.
Tax Distribution
After taxes are collected, the auditor distributes the money to the schools, townships, cities, and other taxing bodies that residents voted to fund. The office makes sure each entity receives the correct share.
Weights & Measures
The office inspects gas pumps, store scales, and checkout scanners across the county so that residents pay for exactly what they receive - a quiet but important consumer protection role.
Licensing
The auditor issues the dog licenses and vendor's licenses required across Erie County, keeping local records current and accessible.
County Finances & Reporting
As chief fiscal officer, the office keeps the county's official financial records and reports, manages payroll for county government, and accounts for public funds. The Open Checkbook portal puts that spending online for anyone to review.
Board of Revision & Budget Commission
The auditor serves as secretary to the Board of Revision, which hears property-value appeals, and to the Budget Commission, which reviews the budgets of local taxing authorities across the county.
Online Tools for Residents
The office puts public information directly in residents' hands. Among the tools available through the official county auditor website:
- ▸Online property search by owner, address, or parcel number
- ▸GIS maps with flood, soil, and wetland overlays
- ▸Open Checkbook spending and payroll portal
- ▸Property tax estimator
- ▸Unclaimed funds search
- ▸Online filing for the homestead exemption and other tax relief
- ▸Current aerial imagery of the entire county
- ▸Real estate forms and filings
All online records are updated within 24 hours of any change or sale.
A Modern, Efficient Office
The office uses technology to do more with less. AI-assisted analysis of aerial imagery flags likely new construction for field checks, replacing blanket canvassing, and the county is flown twice a year with full coverage including Kelleys Island. Through software and process improvements, staffing has been reduced from 21 to 14 budgeted positions - about a one-third reduction - with no layoffs and no drop in service, as roles are combined when employees move on.
How the Office Operates
Our Values
Accountability
Answerable to the residents we serve, for every dollar and every decision.
Transparency
Open, easy access to county records, spending, and property information.
Ownership
We take responsibility for getting it right and seeing it through.
We listen, and we own the process.
For property records, tax information, forms, and other county services, visit the official Erie County Auditor website.
auditor.eriecounty.oh.gov →"Doing the right thing - even when no one is looking."
Want to know more about how Rick runs the office? See his record or reach out directly.