Press Releases

February 4, 2026

For Immediate Release

Clinton County Auditor Terry Habermehl is cautioning all farmers to ensure that they received their annual renewal applications for Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) from his office. The forms were mailed on January 16, 2026. However, Habermehl stated that his office is receiving numerous communications from farmers who have not received their renewal forms.

The auditor stressed that anyone who has not received their renewal applications should contact his office as soon as possible since the deadline to return them is March 2, 2026.

His office can be reached by telephone at 937-382-2250

Clinton County Auditor’s Office Expands In-Office Payment Options with Credit and Debit Cards

Wilmington, Ohio — January 30, 2026 — The Clinton County Auditor’s Office is pleased to announce the addition of credit and debit card payments for in-office transactions, expanding payment options for residents and continuing efforts to modernize how the public does business with the county.

While the Auditor’s Office has offered online dog license purchases through its website since 2009, with a $2 per-transaction fee, in-office payments had previously been limited to cash or check. The rollout of in-office credit and debit card acceptance helps close that gap and provides residents with consistent, convenient options when visiting the office in person.

The new payment option officially went live in mid-January 2026, and in less than two weeks, the Auditor’s Office has already processed more than 55 credit and debit card payments, reflecting strong public interest in expanded payment flexibility.

“Our goal is to meet people where they are and offer practical, convenient ways to do business,” said Clinton County Auditor Terence G. Habermehl. “This is an important step forward in modernizing everyday transactions and improving the customer experience for the residents we serve.”

Credit and debit card payments are currently available for in-person transactions only and are processed through MuniciPay, a third-party payment processor. Transactions are subject to a 2.65% processing fee, with a $3 minimum, which is paid by the customer and retained entirely by MuniciPay. The county does not receive any portion of the transaction fee. MuniciPay provides payment processing services to the county at no cost, aside from the purchase of card terminals, each costing less than $600.

In addition to convenience for the public, the move toward electronic payments also supports strong internal controls and fiscal best practices. Credit and debit card transactions provide clear electronic records, enhanced auditability, and reduced reliance on cash handling, which helps lower risk and improve transparency.

“Like all county offices, we are always looking for ways to strengthen internal controls, reduce risk, and operate as responsibly as possible,” Auditor Habermehl added. “Expanding electronic payment options is one way we can support good stewardship of public funds while also improving service to the public.”

The Auditor’s Office recognizes that credit and debit card payments may not be the preferred option for all residents and will continue to accept cash and checks, ensuring accessibility for everyone.

The Clinton County Auditor’s Office currently accepts payments for: • Dog licenses • CAUV application fees • Real property conveyance fees • Manufactured home ownership transfers • Manufactured home relocation permits

The Auditor’s Office also notes that other county offices have successfully accepted credit card payments for many years, including the County Treasurer’s Office for select transactions, as well as Building and Zoning and the Clinton County Health Department for all payment transactions.

In addition, the Auditor’s Office has opened a miscellaneous payment category to process credit and debit card payments on behalf of other Clinton County offices that do not currently offer this option.

“We hope this is a step toward broader, countywide expansion where it makes sense,” said Auditor Habermehl. “Each office ultimately makes its own operational decisions, but we are committed to working collaboratively to improve customer service, transparency, and risk reduction wherever possible.”

Residents with questions about accepted payment types or applicable fees are encouraged to contact the Clinton County Auditor’s Office.

January 22, 2026

Press Release

Clinton County Auditor Terry Habermehl is informing property owners about four newly enacted property tax reform measures designed to begin providing relief to Ohio homeowners starting with second-half real property tax bills later this year.

These changes were driven by a coordinated, statewide effort of all 88 county auditors working through the County Auditors Association of Ohio, in partnership with other elected-official associations. While the initiatives originated from concerns raised by county auditors, they reflect a broad consensus that Ohio’s property tax system required updated safeguards for homeowners. The four reforms were signed into law by Mike DeWine in late 2025 and will begin taking effect during the summer 2026 tax cycle.

Auditor Habermehl is issuing important payment guidance for taxpayers. He is strongly encouraging property owners to pay only their first-half tax bill, not the full year in advance. “Under these new laws, county auditors are not authorized to issue refunds if a taxpayer overpays and their property later qualifies for reduced taxes,” Habermehl said. “Paying only the first-half bill protects taxpayers while these changes are being implemented.”

This is what to expect for second-half tax bills. Adjusted second-half tax bills reflecting these changes will be calculated and mailed before County Treasurer Kyle Rudduck issues second-half billings later this summer. The second-half bills are expected to show a reduced amount compared to the first-half billing, as the newly enacted credits and limitations are applied. The auditor emphasized that not all taxpayers may qualify for property tax reductions under this first set of changes.

At this time, exact dollar amounts are not yet known. All 88 counties are awaiting formal guidance, calculations, and implementation formulas from the Ohio Department of Taxation. This information is necessary for counties to accurately apply the credits, recalculate tax distributions, and ensure county tax software systems properly rebalance and reconcile the required adjustments statewide.

While these laws are complicated and technical in nature, the intent of the four reforms is straightforward: • They limit how quickly property taxes can increase when home values rise sharply • They provide additional protection for owner-occupied homes • They reduce the impact of sudden market-driven valuation spikes • They strengthen safeguards that were never designed for today’s housing market

“These laws recognize that home sale prices over the last several years increased at a pace that Ohio’s existing property tax framework never anticipated,” Habermehl explained.

Ohio’s long-standing tax limitation law, House Bill 920, was designed to prevent runaway taxation, but it did not account for the extraordinary and rapid escalation of residential sale prices experienced statewide since 2020.

“County auditors across Ohio raised serious concerns as we observed sales prices climbing far beyond established appraised values in a very short period of time,” Habermehl said. “These reforms are a direct response to that reality.”

While the relief from future property tax spikes is real, relief will take time. Auditor Habermehl cautioned that homeowners should not expect immediate or dramatic reductions.

“This is not a one-year fix,” he said. “It will take multiple valuation cycles before the full impact of these reforms is realized, but this represents an important first step toward stabilizing property taxes for Ohio homeowners.”

These changes are welcome relief for taxpayers. However, they will also have an impact on local governments. The reforms will result in a direct reduction of revenue to local taxing authorities, including schools, townships, villages, cities, counties, fire districts, and libraries. “That impact was carefully considered,” Habermehl said. “However, protecting homeowners from unsustainable tax increases became a shared priority across the state.”

The Auditor’s Office will continue coordinating with the Ohio Department of Taxation and will provide updates as implementation guidance is finalized.

“We encourage taxpayers to stay informed, ask questions, and most importantly, avoid overpaying until the second-half bills reflecting these changes are issued,” Habermehl said.