Property Owners to Meet on Tax Increase

The flurry of comments on social media platforms when it became known that property values in Belmont County were increasing by double digits, some as high as 50 percent, dramatically increased recently when first-half 2024 tax bills arrived in property owners’ mailboxes.

Many flooded the county auditor’s office with calls appealing the new values. According to the tax bill “complaints against the valuation of real property must be filed with the County Auditor by March 31. However, an appeal does not relief the owner from paying taxes on time to avoid penalties.  

One county resident and public official Holloway Mayor Joseph Schaeffer was arrested Thursday for allegedly threatening to blow up the Belmont County Courthouse over the increases.

He was sent to jail for a charge of inducing panic, according to Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack. He was later released on bond.

Area firm, Shaheen Law Group, LLC, is hosting a private informational event to discuss the increases on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:00 at Undo’s St. Clairsville.  Indivdiduals interested in attending the meeting must RSVP by contacting Mallory@slgjustice.com or calling (740) 695-4448.

Payment of tax bills is due to the county treasurer’s office no later than February 21.