Frequently Asked Questions

School Districts

Property Tax

  • I live in Allen Township and currently pay a 4.1 mill property tax to the township. Will I continue to pay that? Most likely not. The most common method of annexation is a traditional annexation which upon adoption would remove you from the township. This means you will no longer pay your township property tax. However, please note you will continue to be responsible for other property taxes such as school, library, and parks. To review a full breakdown of Hancock County rates of taxation visit https://www.co.hancock.oh.us/government-services/auditor/realestate/tax-rates
  • Does the City of Findlay have a municipal property tax? Yes. The City of Findlay has a 3.2 mil corporation property tax.

Water & Sewer Cost

Energy Aggregation

  • I have American Electric Power (AEP) as my electric provider. Will this change? No. The City of Findlay has a non-exclusive franchise agreement with AEP to permit them to provide electric services within their designated Public Utilities Commission of Ohio territory regardless of corporation status.

  •  Will my electric bill change by being in the corporation limits? That is up to you. The City of Findlay utilizes energy aggregation to negotiate lower rates for our residents. Our current electricity aggregation program is only available to AEP customers. Upon annexation to the City of Findlay you would be notified of automatic enrollment and can choose to opt out then or at any point in time.

  • Will my natural gas bill change by being in the corporation limits? That is up to you. The City of Findlay utilizes energy aggregation to negotiate lower rates for our residents. Our current natural gas aggregation is through Columbia Gas of Ohio. If you utilize Columbia Gas of Ohio you will receive notification about automatic enrollment upon annexation but may opt out then or at any point in time. 

Safety Services

  •  My home is currently serviced by the township fire department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Will they still be my emergency services? No. You and your property will be covered by the Findlay Fire Department and Findlay Police Department. These are high performing departments that have national and international recognition and a full-time staff. On average the Findlay Fire and Police Departments are on scene within 5 minutes of an emergency call.

Property Insurance Cost

  •  How will my property insurance costs change with annexation into the City? We recommend reaching out to your individual insurance carrier but based upon our research your insurance costs should decrease. This is because the City of Findlay has a full-time CALEA Accredited Police Department and a full time ISO Class 2 Fire Department. Insurance companies evaluate these factors when determining the risk to your property. 

 Impacts to the Township

  • How will the township be impacted by my annexation into the City of Findlay? There are both positive and negative impacts to the township with the annexation of your property to the City of Findlay.
    • They are:
    • A decrease in property tax revenue. However, please note that the Ohio Revised Code and various revenue sharing agreements outline a process for a titration of revenue to the township to help with the transition.
    • A decrease in expense for infrastructure. When a property is annexed into the City typically the surrounding roads are also turned over to the corresponding jurisdiction. This means the City of Findlay would become responsible for road maintenance which will decrease the expense to the township.
    • A decrease in expense for safety services. When a property is annexed into the City it will be covered by the Findlay Fire Department and Findlay Police Department. This means the expense needed to cover these properties will decrease.

City of Findlay Income Tax:

  • I work in the City of Findlay and already pay City income tax. Will my income taxes change? No. If you are already paying Findlay City Income Tax your income tax due to the City of Findlay will not change.
  • I do not currently work in the City of Findlay how will annexing change my tax liability? If you are currently working outside of the City of Findlay you will most likely be responsible for a 1% income tax. However, please visit the City of Findlay website to review who is liable for income tax and what type of income qualifies. https://www.findlayohio.com/government/city-departments/income-tax

Zoning

  • My township does not currently have zoning regulations. Will I have to bring my property into compliance with the Findlay Zoning Code? Yes and No. If your property is non-conforming with a structure, for example it does not have proper setbacks it will be grandfathered in. However, moving forward you will have to comply with zoning regulations. Additionally, items such as junk vehicles and high grass regulations will apply. To read the full City of Findlay Zoning Code visit https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/findlay/latest/findlay_oh/0-0-0-15963
  • What zoning classification will my property have if it is annexed? Upon receiving your signed petition for annexation, the City of Findlay zoning department will work with you determine the best classification based upon the current use of the property, lot size, and neighboring properties. To view the various zoning district specs, visit https://www.findlayohio.com/home/showpublisheddocument/7760/637038159973370000

Process

  • Once I sign the petition form what does the process look like? The City of Findlay will manage the process of filing all property owner petitions along with surveys to the Hancock County Board of County Commissioners in compliance with Ohio Revised Code Section 709.03.
  1. The City will review and ensure all appropriate petitions have been completed.
  2. Submit petitions to Hancock County Commissioners
  3. Within 5 days of submission of the petition, the Commissioners establish time and place for the initial hearing on the petition.
  4. The City will notify all impacted jurisdictions
  5. The City will notify all impacted property owners that the petition has been filed.
  6. Findlay City Council consider and approve ordinance outlining services that will be provided. Copy filed to Hancock County Commissioners.
  7. Hearing held 60-90 days following filing of original annexation petition.
  8. Hancock County Commissioners pass or deny a resolution.
  9. Following a decision by the Commissioners a 30-day appeal period occurs.
  10. Ensure 60 days wait period from initial delivery has occurred.
  11. Council shall pass a resolution accepting or rejecting the annexation of the property. If they do not accept it within 120 days it is considered rejected.
  12. Following a determination by Council, all property owners and jurisdictions will be notified.
  13. If the annexations are accepted the City of Findlay will also pass legislation establishing zoning for the various parcels.