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5 Critical Updates From Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise You Must Know For 2025-2026

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The Summit County Fiscal Officer's role is one of the most vital in local government, directly impacting every property owner and taxpayer in the county. As of late 2025, the office, led by Kristen M. Scalise CPA, CFE, is at the center of several major financial and real estate developments, including the critical 2025 property reappraisal cycle and the implementation of a new charter amendment designed to protect taxpayers. Understanding these changes is crucial for managing your finances, appealing your property value, and ensuring compliance with local tax deadlines.

The office is responsible for managing over $1 billion annually and oversees the county's core financial divisions: Auditor, Recorder, and Treasurer. The information below provides the most current and essential updates from the Fiscal Officer's office, focusing on the changes and initiatives that will define the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years for Summit County residents.

Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise: Biography and Core Responsibilities

Kristen M. Scalise CPA, CFE, has been the serving Summit County Fiscal Officer since May 2011, bringing over a decade of prior experience as a chief deputy fiscal officer to the role. Her extensive background in county finance has positioned her as the chief financial steward for the entire county.

The Triple-Threat Role: Auditor, Recorder, and Treasurer

The Fiscal Officer manages three distinct, yet interconnected, divisions that are essential to the county's operations:

  • Chief Assessor (Auditor Division): This is arguably the most public-facing role, as the Fiscal Officer is responsible for determining the fair market value of all real estate in the county for tax purposes. The office operates on a six-year cycle for full reappraisals.
  • Chief Payroll Officer (Auditor Division): Oversees the county's payroll and acts as the general accountant for all county funds, making the office the main depository for the entire county.
  • Sealer of Weights and Measures (Auditor Division): Ensures consumer protection by verifying the accuracy of commercial measuring devices, such as gas pumps and scales.
  • Recorder Division: Processes and preserves all documents relating to real estate, including sales, leases, and property transfers.
  • Treasurer Division: Manages the collection and distribution of property taxes for the county and its local government entities.

In recent years, the Fiscal Officer's leadership has been tested by economic shifts and the need for modernizing public services, including a notable election challenge which underscored the importance of the office's fiscal policies.

The 2025 Property Valuation Reappraisal and Tax Bill Protection (Issue 2)

The biggest financial development affecting Summit County homeowners in 2025 is the scheduled reappraisal of all real estate. This process, which occurs on a six-year cycle in Ohio, is designed to bring property values in line with current market rates. However, a significant recent legislative change has introduced a layer of protection against the resulting tax increases.

The Impact of Charter Amendment Issue 2

In November 2025, Summit County voters approved Issue 2, a crucial charter amendment that directly impacts how property taxes are calculated following a reappraisal.

  • Taxpayer Protection: The amendment was proposed to protect taxpayers from sudden and dramatic increases in their property tax bills.
  • Limiting Unvoted Millage: It achieves this protection by limiting the county's unvoted millage, which is the portion of the tax rate that is not approved by voters.
  • Timing: The Fiscal Officer's Auditor Division is now tasked with implementing this new limitation as the 2025 reappraisal values are finalized and the 2026 operating budgets are prepared.

This confluence of the reappraisal—which can increase assessed value—and the Issue 2 limitation creates a complex but ultimately taxpayer-favorable environment. Homeowners should closely monitor their new valuation notices and understand how the tax limitation will apply to their final bill.

Key Financial Deadlines and Tax Relief Initiatives for 2025

Beyond the reappraisal, the Fiscal Officer’s office has announced several critical deadlines and relief programs that require immediate attention from residents and business owners. Staying informed about these dates is essential to avoid penalties and take advantage of available assistance.

1. Delinquent Tax Billing Deadline (October 2025)

The Fiscal Officer has actively pursued the collection of outstanding property taxes. A third billing notice for delinquent taxes was mailed, with a firm due date of October 31, 2025. This push for collection is a standard but important annual function, ensuring the necessary revenue streams for local services like schools, police, and fire departments.

2. Real Estate Tax Relief for Storm Victims

In a demonstration of the office's responsive role, the Fiscal Officer announced that real estate tax relief is available to victims of recent storms in the county. This initiative provides a crucial financial lifeline for residents who have suffered property damage. Affected homeowners must apply for this relief, making it important to check the Fiscal Officer’s official website for eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

3. 2026 Budget Adoption

The Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Fiscal Officer, is in the process of approving and adopting the 2026 operating budget for all county funds, departments, and agencies. Resolution 2025-348 is a key piece of legislation related to this process, which will determine the financial framework for the county’s operations for the next year. This is a critical period for financial transparency and accountability.

How to Access Public Records and Property Information

One of the core functions of the Fiscal Officer is to maintain public access to financial and property records. The office provides numerous online tools that allow residents to search for vital information quickly and accurately.

  • Property Search: The online database allows citizens to look up property values, tax assessment history, and ownership records. This is particularly useful during the reappraisal period to verify the new assessed value of your home.
  • Tax Bill Explanation: Detailed resources are available to help taxpayers understand the components of their property tax bill, including millage rates and levies.
  • Vacant Property Reporting: The office also provides a mechanism for reporting vacant or abandoned properties, which is an important tool for community development and neighborhood stability.

The Summit County Fiscal Officer’s office, under Kristen M. Scalise, continues to manage the complex financial and real estate landscape of the county. From the major 2025 reappraisal and the protective measures of Issue 2 to the administration of tax deadlines and relief, the office remains the central hub for all fiscal matters, making its updates essential reading for every Summit County resident.

5 Critical Updates from Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise You Must Know for 2025-2026
summit county fiscal officer
summit county fiscal officer

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