Franklin County Auditor Returns $5 Million to Local Schools, Libraries and Agencies

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Franklin County Auditor’s Office is returning $5 million to local schools, libraries, parks, municipalities, and public agencies this month, marking another round of financial redistribution that underscores prudent fiscal management at the county level.

The latest allocation brings the total amount returned since 2019 to $35.5 million, reflecting Auditor Michael Stinziano’s ongoing commitment to reinvest public funds across Franklin County institutions.

Majority of Funds to Support Schools

According to figures released by the Auditor’s Office, the majority of this month’s disbursement — more than $3.2 million — will go to school districts throughout the county. The funds represent a significant financial boost at a time when many education providers are contending with rising costs and limited resources.

In addition to the school funding, Franklin County cities and villages are set to receive $426,937, while townships will gain $269,905. Libraries and parks will collectively receive $176,049, and county agencies will benefit from an allocation of $894,229.

“This refund is a testament to the efficient operation of the Franklin County Auditor’s team and our shared goal of managing taxpayer dollars effectively and for their intended purpose. Bexley, like many communities, has had to rely on local resources to properly fund public education, so these refund dollars go directly toward supporting our students, teachers and operations,” said Bexley City Schools Treasurer and CFO Kyle Smith.

Funds Distributed Under State Law

The refund forms part of a long-standing process required under state law. Funds are initially collected by the county to finance real estate reappraisals and triennial property updates — key functions that maintain accurate property valuations and tax fairness across Franklin County. Once these statutory obligations are met, any remaining balances can be redistributed to local entities.

The Auditor’s Office stated that since 2019, a total of $23.1 million has been returned to school districts, $2.8 million to municipalities, $1.76 million to townships, $1 million to libraries, and $6.6 million to county government agencies.

Fiscal Discipline and Transparency

Auditor Michael Stinziano said the refunds reflect both operational efficiency and fiscal discipline, enabling his office to return surplus funds to the organisations that serve the public directly.

“By state law, this distribution is the closest the Auditor’s office can get to refunding money directly to the residents and businesses of Franklin County,” Stinziano said. “In this era of tight budgets, I am happy that through fiscal discipline, your Auditor’s office can return these funds to the schools, agencies and municipalities that need it the most.”

The returned funds can be used by recipients for a range of community benefits, from essential educational supplies and classroom resources to broader operational needs across public institutions.

Positive Response from Local Leaders

Local education leaders have welcomed the announcement, emphasising the practical value of these refunds at a time of budgetary strain. The funding, they say, supports not only day-to-day educational provision but also helps offset the impact of reduced state and federal support.

Observers note that Franklin County’s approach to refunding unspent reappraisal funds reflects a broader trend in US local government finance, where accountability and transparency have become central to fiscal policy. By returning excess money to public service bodies, local authorities reinforce public trust and demonstrate stewardship of taxpayer resources.

Continued Financial Stewardship

Since taking office in 2019, Auditor Stinziano has made public transparency and community reinvestment central to his administration. The recurring refund initiative highlights how careful budget management and compliance with statutory obligations can translate into tangible benefits for residents.

The Auditor’s Office stressed that while the refund process is largely administrative, the outcome has real-world significance for schools, libraries and community agencies. In many cases, the redistributed money provides critical flexibility for local leaders to fund small but impactful projects — from classroom materials to community maintenance.

The latest round of distributions will be completed during November, ensuring that funds reach local authorities and institutions before the end of the financial year.

As local governments and schools continue to navigate fiscal challenges amid inflation and evolving public demands, Franklin County’s example demonstrates how disciplined financial administration can directly benefit the community.

In total, the $35.5 million returned over the past six years illustrates the potential for efficient local government operations to deliver measurable value — not just in balance sheets, but in classrooms, libraries, and neighbourhood services throughout the county.