Press Releases

1/21/26

Clinton County Auditor Terry Habermehl announced today that Clinton County’s sexennial property tax reappraisal schedule has been adjusted by the Ohio Department of Taxation as part of a statewide realignment of county reappraisal cycles.

Ohio law requires all counties to conduct property valuations on a fixed cycle. A sexennial reappraisal is a comprehensive revaluation of all real property and establishes new values every six years. In addition, counties perform triennial updates every three years, which apply market trends and recent sales data to maintain equity among property owners.

The adjustment to reappraisal schedules follows recommendations from the Governor’s Property Tax Working Group and reflects a long-standing effort to better balance reappraisal workloads across counties statewide. More evenly staggering reappraisal years helps improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in the valuation process.

“Rebalancing the sexennial revaluation cycles across Ohio has been an objective of county auditors for many years,” said Christopher Galloway, Vice President of the County Auditors Association of Ohio and a member of the Governor’s Property Tax Working Group. “This approach allows valuation work to be performed more effectively by spreading it more evenly across counties and years.”

As a result of the statewide realignment, Clinton County’s triennial update will continue as scheduled in 2026. However, the county’s next sexennial reappraisal has been moved from 2029 to 2030, after which the county will resume the normal three-year valuation cycle.

“Knowing our reappraisal year has shifted from 2029 to 2030 allows our office to plan accordingly and communicate clearly with residents well in advance,” Habermehl said. “Advance notice and transparency are important so property owners understand the valuation timeline and what to expect.”

11/24/25
Dog tags will officially go on sale December 1, 2025, for the 2026 license year, according to Clinton County Auditor Terry Habermehl. Renewal applications will be mailed to all dog owners who purchased a 2025 license. Auditor Habermehl also reminds families of the ongoing coloring contest promoting the purchase of 2026 dog licenses. Children ages 10 and under are encouraged to stop by the Auditor’s Office or visit the County Auditor’s website for contest details.

The last day to purchase a 2026 dog license without penalty is January 31, 2026. The cost of a single dog license has increased to $18.00, and a kennel license is $90.00 for the 2026 license year. Under Ohio law, late registrations are subject to a penalty equal to the license fee. Beginning February 1, regular tags will cost $36, and kennel licenses will cost $180. Recent changes in Ohio law also allow dog owners to purchase three-year or permanent dog licenses. A three-year license is $54, and a permanent license is $180. This is the first fee increase in 12 years, and Clinton County remains below the statewide average.

Clinton County Sheriff Douglas A. Eastes advises dog owners that enhanced enforcement of dog tag violations will begin in February 2026. Failure to license a dog will result in a citation for each unlicensed animal. Penalties include fines, court costs, and the mandatory purchase of delinquent licenses. Sheriff Eastes emphasizes that license fees directly support the Dog Warden’s Office in carrying out its duties under Ohio Revised Code 955.01–955.261.

Regular dog licenses can be purchased in person at the Clinton County Auditor’s Office during normal business hours. For added convenience, the Auditor’s Office has contracted with Fairfield Licensing to offer online registration. A $2.00 service charge per tag applies to online purchases. Residents may access the licensing website directly https://www.doglicenses.us/OH/Clinton/ or through the link on the Clinton County Auditor’s homepage https://clintoncountyauditor.org/home-page .

From December 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026, the following local retailers are also authorized to sell dog tags for an additional fee: • Buckley Bros Drive Thru • Browns Distributing • BDK Feed & Supply • Village of New Vienna Water Department • D & G’s Paws & Claws Snack Shack • PBS Animal Health

Residents who are unable to visit a participating location may mail their dog and owner information to the Auditor’s Office. A tag will be issued and mailed back. Please include an additional $1.00 processing fee to cover postage and handling.

Kennel Licenses: Kennel licenses can be renewed by mail using the renewal application sent to previously registered kennel owners. New kennel licenses can only be purchased in person at the Clinton County Auditor’s Office located on the Clinton County Administrative Campus. If you have questions about kennel license eligibility, please contact the Auditor’s Office for assistance.

May 21, 2025

Clinton County Auditor Terence Habermehl has announced that his office has contracted with an appraisal company to collect and verify data for new construction and demolished property throughout Clinton County. This information is based on permits that have been received by the county and is used for taxing purposes.

According to Mr. Habermehl, the Ohio Revised Code permits the auditor or someone on his behalf to enter onto and inspect premises in Clinton County for the purpose of viewing and appraising real estate. This program is carried out annually to ensure that the proper values are reflected on the county’s tax rolls.

Appraisers working for the auditor are now appraising property in the county and will attempt to establish contact with someone at the property before beginning their duties. They are required to wear a badge that identifies them as staff of the Clinton County Auditor and contains their name and photograph. They may be walking around homes, measuring and taking photographs. If needed, a yellow card will be left on the door, mailbox or gate requesting additional information if nobody is home.

Anyone with questions can contact the auditor’s office by telephone at (937) 382-2250 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday or by sending an email to auditor@clintoncountyohio.us.