First-half real estate tax collection in Huron County

NORWALK — The mailing of tax bills is going to be delayed until at least the 20th of the month. The state of Ohio did not provide the tax rates to Huron County until Dec. 31. Usually, the rates are in by mid-December. The delay was statewide. Huron County's file was submitted to Smart Bill for production on Jan. 7. The county has been informed by Smart Bill it is behind on the printing and mailing of bills because of the delay by the state. Smart Bill prints tax bills for many counties in Ohio. "Huron County is in the queue and a few counties are ahead of us," Huron County Treasurer Kathleen Schaffer said. "The bills will be mailed in plenty of time to meet the requirements of the Ohio Revised Code. If anyone wishes to come to the office to pay before the bills are mailed, we can print a bill in house. Persons with multiple parcels are asked to call the office at least an hour before they come so we can have the bills printed and ready." The due date for first-half bills is Feb. 12. Due to COVID-19, the treasurer will not be collecting taxes in New London, Wakeman or Willard this collection cycle. Extended office hours will be offered on three dates prior to the tax due date of Feb. 12. The office will be open until 6 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 27 and Wednesday Feb. 3 and from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, Feb. 6. Four parking spaces are reserved for taxpayers in front of the building. A limit of five persons is allowed in the lobby and masks are required. For those not wishing to pay in person, online payments can be made at huroncountyauditor.org. A secure night drop box located inside the front door of the treasurer's office, to the right, and is accessible 24/7. The treasurer's office is located at 16 E. Main St. in Norwalk.