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1. Must you be registered to vote in Henry County?

In order to vote in an election in Henry County, you must meet the following qualification requirements:

• You must be a United States Citizen
• You must be 18 years old on or before the day of the General Election
• You must be a resident of Henry County for at least 30 days
• You must register to vote at least 30 days before an election to vote in that election

2. How do I register to vote?

Complete this Voter Registration Status Form (PDF) and mail it to the Board of Elections or call the Henry County Board of Elections at 419-592-7956 and ask that a Voter Registration Status Form be mailed to your. Complete it and mail it back.

You may also register to vote at one of the following locations:

• Any Office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• Any Public High School or Vocational School
• Any Public Library
• Job and Family Services
• Office of the Henry County Board of Elections
• Office of the Henry County Treasurer
• Online Voter Registration

3. What if I have changed my address or name?

If you are already registered to vote in Henry County and have changed your address or changed your name, you must update your voter registration. You do this by submitting a new Voter Registration Status Form (PDF) to the Board of the Elections. You may also update your voter registration at any of the locations listed in FAQ number 2.

4. What address may I list as my residence?

Ohio law establishes your residence as the place to which, whenever you are absent, you have the intent to return. A post office box or a business address is not an acceptable address for your residence.

5. What if I moved out of the state of Ohio?

You must cancel your voter registration in Ohio. You can do this by filling out Form 10-A Voter Registration Cancellation. Complete the fillable form, print, sign and mail to the Henry County Board of Elections.

6. Can a college student vote from their school address?

Yes, if the student establishes that place as their residence and registers to vote. Otherwise, the student must vote in their home county where they are registered to vote.

7. Do I declare my political party affiliation when I register to vote?

No. Under Ohio law, a person’s political party affiliation is determined by the party ballot they choose to vote in a partisan Primary Election.

8. Where do I vote?

You will receive a postcard assigning you to the polling location designated to serve the precinct in which you reside. If you are in doubt as to the location of this polling place, call the Henry County Board of Elections at 419-592-7956. Polling locations are open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm on Election Day.

9. How do I vote?

Henry County uses a Hybrid voting system. If you have not used this type of system before, an election official at your precinct will help you when you go to vote.

10. How do I establish which political party's ballot I am entitled to vote?

If you are a new voter, you may vote the primary ballot of any political party. If you have voted the primary ballot of a political party in previous two primaries and want to vote the ballot of a different party in the up coming primary, you may change parties at any Primary Election only.

11. May I vote on ballot issues in a primary without declaring my politics?

Yes. You may vote on questions and issues appearing on the ballot without voting for candidates of a political party by asking for an issues only ballot when you go to your polling place to vote.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. Who is eligible for the homestead exemption?

Any Ohio homeowner who occupies their home as their principal place of residence as of January 1 of the year they apply for the exemption and who;

• Is able show an adjusted gross income (for both the applicant and spouse) that does not exceed $33,600; AND
• Is at least 65 years old or will reach age 65 during the current tax year; or
• Is certified totally and permanently disabled as of January 1 of the current tax year, regardless of age; or 
• Is the surviving spouse of a qualified homeowner, and who was at least 59 years old on the date of their spouse’s death. 

 The principal place of residence is the home where the applicant is registered to vote and their place of residence as shown on their Federal income tax form. 

2. What is meant by the term "permanently and totally disabled"?

Section 323.15.1 (D) of the Revised Code provides that "permanently and totally disabled" means a person who has some impairment in body or mind that makes him unfit to work at any substantially remunerative employment which he is reasonably able to perform and which will, with reasonable probability, continue for an indefinite period of at least 12 months. A certificate of disability form must be filled out and signed by a licensed physician and submitted with the application for the Homestead Exemption.

3. How do I show proof of age?

The application form requires reporting your age and date of birth. The application is signed under the penalty of perjury (Ohio Revised Code 2921.11). Your County Auditor may require age verification, such as a driver’s license or birth certificate.

4. When does the new Homestead Exemption start?

The new Homestead Exemption starts with tax bills payable in the following year. For real property, bills due cover the preceding year. For manufactured or mobile homes, bills are a current-year tax.

5. What is the deadline to apply?

An original application for the current tax year must be filed with the county auditor’s office after the first Monday in January or on or before the first Monday in June.

6. Does the homestead exemption have an effect on other real estate tax reductions that I am presently receiving?

The Homestead Exemption is an additional reduction in real estate taxes beyond the other property tax deductions and rollbacks. You will continue to receive all other property tax reductions and rollbacks that you are presently eligible to receive.

7. I already receive the homestead exemption. Do I have to reapply to receive benefits under the new program?

If you receive the Homestead Exemption credit on the tax bill you pay, you do not need to file a new application. You will automatically receive the new Homestead Exemption for the next tax year if you otherwise qualify. If your spouse died, and if you received the Homestead Exemption credit on the tax bill only because your spouse met the age or disability criteria, you do not need to file a new application for the exemption. If you were 59 at the time of your spouse’s death, you will continue to qualify.

8. For estate planning purposes, I placed the title to my property in a trust. Can I still receive the homestead exemption?

You are eligible for the Homestead Exemption if all of the following are true:

• You created the trust to be effective during your lifetime (an inter vivos trust).
• You provided the assets for the trust (you are the settlor).
• You can terminate the trust at any time (it is a revocable trust).
• The trust agreement contains a provision that says you have complete possession of the property.

Most of the other common forms of property ownership (such as survivorship deeds) also qualify for the exemption.

9. Will I have to apply every year to receive the homestead exemption?

No. However, if your circumstances change and you no longer qualify for the Homestead Exemption, you must notify the county auditor by the first Monday in June. In January the county auditor will mail you a copy of the continuing application form (DTE 105B, Continuing Homestead Exemption Application Form for Senior Citizens, Disabled Persons, and Surviving Spouses (PDF)). Please return this form to the auditor only if you no longer own the home, no longer occupy it as your primary place of residence, or if your disability status has changed.

10. Where do I find the form to apply?

Please download the Homestead Exemption Application (PDF) or the Homestead Certificate of Disability form (PDF).

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1. What is Project Lifesaver?

Project Lifesaver is a program that locates people that have been diagnosed with brain disorders (i.e., Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and Dementia) who wander away from their caregivers.

2. How does the program work?

Clients enrolled in the program wear a bracelet that contains a battery operated transmitter that emits a radio frequency tracking signal. If the client wanders away, the caregiver notifies the Henry County Sheriff’s Office by calling 911. A Search and Rescue team responds to the client’s area last seen and uses a mobile receiver to pick up the client’s signal, thus locating the person.

3. Who can be on the program?

Any child or adult who meets all the following requirements:

1. Lives in Henry County
2. Has a diagnosed brain disorder
3. Has wandered away from a caregiver in the past
4. Has a caregiver 24 hours a day. (i.e. Family Member, Family Friend)
5. Caregiver is willing to check the battery every day and keep daily log
6. Will wear bracelet 24 hours a day

4. How much does it cost?

The Project Lifesaver Program is free. Donations from organizations , businesses, and individuals are always appreciated to fund the program.

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1. Can we see the house?

We have no access to the interior of the houses for sale. No arrangements may be made for an internal inspection of the properties. You are urged to check out the property records at the Henry County Auditor and the Henry County Recorder offices. The Henry County Auditor can provide a printout on the property showing the numbers, and types of rooms, etc. You can access the Auditor’s website’s "Real Estate Inquiry," then enter the address of the property to obtain the information you need.

2. How does the Sheriff Sale work?

By law, the sale must be a public sale, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Sales are held on Tuesdays at 10 am unless otherwise noted, on-line at https://henry.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov.  All bidders must be registered and have a deposit in place in order to proceed.  

Make sure you can meet the terms of the sale. Caution: This is a Court function; if the sale is not completed, you are subject to being held in contempt of court and losing your deposit.

3. What happens to the liens on the property?

Liens are marshaled, (placed in order and paid in order), and paid from the sale proceeds. A deficiency judgment may be granted to the plaintiff against the defendant (homeowner), if enough money is not generated at the sale. The liens are then canceled against the property. The exception is a Federal Lien, (which will be on file at the Henry County Recorder’s Office).

You are urged to check out any liens, and check with an attorney if you have questions. We do not have lien information at the Sheriff’s Office.

4. What if someone is living in the house?

If someone is living in the house and will not vacate, the Sheriff’s Office will remove them on issue of a Writ of Possession. You may be responsible for paying the filing fee to obtain the Writ of Possession from the Clerk of Common Pleas Court, and providing manpower to set out their belongings. Again, you should consult an attorney for questions regarding any of this as the Sheriff’s Office cannot give legal advice.

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1. What are property taxes?

In the state of Ohio real property taxes, commonly known as real estate taxes, are taxes levied by any taxing subdivision on a real estate parcel. Levies raise tax revenue for school districts, municipalities, libraries, and other special issues such as mental health services.

2. What should I do if I didn't receive a tax bill?

Ohio law states that it is the responsibility of the parcel owner to make sure that they obtain a property tax bill in time to pay their taxes. A duplicate tax bill may be obtained by calling our office at 419-592-1851 or by emailing your request to the Treasurer.

3. When are taxes due?

Taxes are due semi-annually in February and July.

4. How much are my taxes?

To obtain your tax amount you may call the Treasurer’s Office at 419-592-1851 or check the Real Estate Inquiry page of the Henry County Auditor website. You will need to look up your parcel information, and it will be displayed along with other important information regarding your parcel.

5. Can I write a personal check for payment of taxes?

Yes, checks should be made payable to Henry County Treasurer Diana Wachtman. Please write your parcel number on the check and include your billing statement(s) with your payment, along with a daytime phone number on your check.

6. Can I get a paid receipt for taxes sent by mail?

Yes, to receive a receipt for payment, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with your entire tax bill and payment. Mail to:
660 N Perry Street
P.O. Box 546
Napoleon, OH 43545

7. Have my taxes been paid?

To find out if your taxes have been paid, please check the Real Estate Inquiry page of the County Auditor’s website or call the Treasurer’s Office at 419-592-1851. You will need to look up your parcel information, and it will be displayed along with other important information regarding your parcel.

8. Can taxes be paid in advance?

Taxes are billed in arrears and can only be paid once they are assessed by the County Auditor’s office. However, you may set up a Tax Installment Pre-Pay Plan with our office. Our Pre-Pay Plan allows you to make monthly prepayments on your semi-annual tax bill. It is an easy way to set aside money on a monthly basis for the payment of your next real estate tax bill. The money that you pay will be held in an escrow account in your name and will automatically be applied to your semi-annual real estate tax bill when it comes due.

9. How do I make an address change?

Ohio Law (Section 323.23, Ohio Revised Code) requires that any mailing address change for property tax bills be provided to the County Treasurer. Please keep the Treasurer’s Office advised when you move, change lenders or desire your tax bill to go to a different address.

Please print your complete name, address and parcel number(s) and send via email, fax 419-592-2004, or U.S. mail at:
P.O. Box 546
Napoleon, OH 43545

10. Can I appeal the penalty amount?

Yes; however, by law, penalties can only be forgiven in certain circumstances. For more information, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 419-592-1851.

11. I don't agree with the value that has been placed on my property. What can I do?

Applications to appeal the valuation of your property are accepted from mid- December until March 31st each year by the Auditor’s Office. If you would like to file an appeal to contest the valuation of your property, please visit the download an appeal form or contact the Auditor’s Office at 419-592-1956 to receive a form by mail. The deadline for filing an appeal is March 31 each year.

12. I am behind on paying my taxes. What can I do?

We will work with you in every way possible to help you address your tax delinquency.

Monthly payment plans are available for delinquent and unpaid current taxes. These plans give you time to get back on your feet while stopping further interest and penalties from being added.

If you would like more information, please contact our office.