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Auditor

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1. How do I qualify for the owner occupied property tax credit?

The owner occupied tax reduction is only available for residential properties. Rental properties are not eligible for the reduction. The State of Ohio reimburses schools and other agencies for this rollback. Most homeowners currently receive the credit, as indicated on their tax bills.

However, this credit is not given automatically. You must sign up to receive it. If you feel you are eligible for this credit and are not receiving it, you may call (419) 337-9200 for additional information.

2. What do I do if my dog gets lost?

Call the Fulton County dog warden at (419) 337-9219 or the Sheriff’s Office at (419) 335-4010.

3. What do I do if I don't think a retailer's device is accurate?

To find out how to know if a device has been checked or to file a complaint with the weights and measures department follow the link below.

https://www.fultoncountyoh.com/861/Complaints

4. Is tangible personal property (TPP) still in effect?

In 2005, the governor in the State of Ohio signed Am. Sub. House Bill 66 that made the new commercial activity tax (CAT) effective July 1, 2005. This tax was phased in over five years in 20% increments. At the same time, TPP was phased out over four years at approximately 25% per year, starting in 2006.

With the changes noted above, the TPP is no longer in effect. The only activity is the billing and collection of delinquent TPP taxes.

5. When should I license my dog?

The annual license ($20) renewal period is December 1 through January 31. If you have a new puppy, you must buy a license by the time he reaches three months old. If you have just moved into Fulton County or if you just acquired a new dog, you must purchase a license within 30 days. (Ohio Revised Code Section 955.01)

6. Where do I purchase a dog license?

You can purchase a license by mail. You can also purchase a license in person at:

 Auditor's Office, 152 S. Fulton Street, Suite 165 Wauseon, Ohio. 

Licenses can also be purchased at the following locations:

Archbold: Savvy Dog, Fulton County Human Society

Fayette: US 20 Main Stop

Lyons: Lyons Main Stop

Wauseon: Continental Plaza Auto Wash, The PAW-FFICE

You may also purchase them online by visiting https://www.doglicenses.us/OH/Fulton/cs.php?f[0]= .

7. Must my dog wear a license?

YES. Ohio law requires it. Dogs without licenses may be impounded by the dog warden.

8. Why do I need to license my dog?

Ohio law requires that you license your dog. A license tag attached to your dog's collar proves ownership and is your pet's ticket home if he gets lost.

9. Can I let my dog run loose if he is licensed?

NO! It is against the law. Ohio law specifies that all dogs must be confined to your property or under reasonable control - such as on a leash when being walked.

10. What do I do if I find a lost dog?

If the dog is wearing a current Fulton County license tag, call the Auditor's office at 419 337-9202, the Fulton County Dog Warden at 419 337-9219 or the Sheriff’s office at 419 335-4010. If the dog is not wearing a current license tag, call the dog warden at 419 337-9219.

11. What if I move?

If you move within Fulton County, please call 419 337-9202 with your new address and telephone number so we can keep the information up-to-date. If you move to another county, call that county's Auditor for licensing information.

12. Which school districts in Fulton County have income taxes and what are the withholding rates?

#2602 Evergreen LSD (1.5% effective 1/1/10 for 5 years) #2603 Gorham Fayette LSD (1.0%) #2604 Pettisville LSD (1.0%) #2606 Swanton LSD (.75% effective 1/1/10 for 5 years) #2605 Pike-Delta-York LSD (1% effective 1/1/22 for 5 years) #2607 Wauseon EVSD (1.75% effective 1/1/23 for 5 years)

13. What is a Mobile Home Moving Permit?

If you need to move a mobile home in the State of Ohio, law requires you to purchase a permit. The fee for a Mobile Home Moving Permit is $5.00. Those who do not obtain a permit will be charge a fine of $100.00.

14. What is the cost for a Mobile Home Conveyance Fee?

Fulton County charges a fee of $4.00 per $1,000.00 of purchase price.
Example: A mobile home purchased for $24,000.00 would incur a conveyance fee of $96.00 When no monies change hands there is no conveyance fee.

15. My company submitted an invoice to Fulton County. Has it been paid?

Invoices are submitted to the Auditor's office for payment after they are approved for payment by the Board of County Commissioners. If you have questions about a submitted invoice, please contact the department of agency with which you dealt first. Then, if you haven't been satisfied, call the Finance Department of the Auditor's office at (419) 337-9202.

16. The County warrant (check) states that it must be presented within 60 days to receive payment. What if the warrant (check) is more than 60 days old?

If you try to deposit or cash a warrant (check) that is older than 60 days, it may not be honored when presented for redemption. Stale-dated warrants are paid periodically into unclaimed funds. To find out if a specific warrant can be presented for payment or if it has become stale-dated, call (419) 337-9202.

17. How can I obtain a listing of unclaimed funds?

A listing of all stale-dated warrants currently held in unclaimed funds is available by visiting the Ohio Department of Commerce web page.

18. Where can I find information regarding the CAT tax?

The Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) can be contacted at 1-888-7-CATTAX (1-888-722-8820). ODT’s web site is www.tax.ohio.gov.

19. Who do I call to find out what cities or villages in Fulton County have an income tax?

Wauseon - 419-335-1171 (1.5%) Swanton - 419-826-9515 (1.25%) Delta - 419-822-5300 (1.5%) Fayette - 419-237-2116 (1.5%) Archbold - 419-445-9501 (1.5% (1.8% effective 1/1/23)) Lyons - 419-923-2001 (1.0%) Metamora - 419-644-2051 (1.0%)

20. Does Fulton County have a county income tax?

No.

21. Can you help me with my income taxes?

No. Consult your accountant or the taxing authority involved.

22. I am starting a new business and how do I do payroll?

Consult your accountant for withholding, other rules and assistance.

23. When are Real Estate taxes due?

Real estate taxes are due February and July of the current year.

24. Do we talk to the Auditor’s Office regarding payment of taxes?

No- Payment is handled through the Treasurer’s Office.

25. Do we inform the Auditor’s Office of a change in tax mailing addresses?

No- All changes in tax mailing addresses are handled through the Treasurer’s Office.

26. Where is the Real Estate Office?

152 S. Fulton Street, Suite 165 Wauseon.

27. Who do I contact for if I have questions regarding estates?

Please call the Auditor’s Office at (419) 337-9202.

28. I think the Auditor's appraised value is too high for my property. What are my options?

The appraised value set by the Auditor's Office is an important part of the property tax calculation. If you feel the appraised value is too high, you may file a complaint with the Fulton County Board of Revision. Filing a Board of Revision (BOR) complaint entitles you to a hearing before the three-member Board of Revision. At the hearing, you may present information such as recent appraisals or current sales data for similar properties in your neighborhood to support your complaint. BOR complaints must be filed between January 1 and March 31. You may call to request a complaint form or print one from this site.

29. What is the tax lien date?

The tax lien date is used to reflect real estate market value each year. In Ohio, the annual tax lien date is Jan. 1, and property taxes are always paid a year in arrears. For example, taxes paid in 2023 are for tax year 2022 and were calculated based on the property's value as of Jan. 1 2022.

30. (GIS) How do I use the measuring tool?

You select the measuring tool which looks like small ruler. Pick the point you want to measure from then double click the point you want to measure to.

31. How do I find soils information for Fulton County?

Select the soils layer on the left side of the map of the property search website.

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Board of Elections

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1. How do I become a poll worker?

We are always in need of poll workers for our elections. If you would be interested in becoming a poll worker, please contact the Board of Elections Office by calling (419) 335-6841 or mailto:fulton@ohiosecretaryofstate.gov

2. How can I get an application for an absentee ballot?

View the application for absentee voter's ballot.

3. Where can I find my polling location?

Visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website and search for your polling location.

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Clerk of Courts

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1. Where do I apply for a passport?

Applications for passports are available at the Wauseon Post Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturdays by appointment only. The post office is located at:
124 E. Elm St.
Wauseon, OH 43567-9998

2. Where do I pay for a traffic ticket?

If the violation occurred in the Wauseon area, go to Western District Court, the building south of the Courthouse, located at: 224 S. Fulton St. Wauseon, OH 43567

If the violation occurred in the Swanton area, go to the Eastern District Court located at: 204 S. Main St. Swanton, OH 43558

Check your traffic ticket for the location of the correct court.

3. Where do I go for a marriage license?

Marriage licenses are obtained at the Probate Court located in the Courthouse at:
210 S. Fulton St.
Wauseon, OH 43567

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Common Pleas Court

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1. When can I get a court appointed lawyer?

The Court only appoints attorneys for criminal cases when the defendant is indigent or when an individual is facing a contempt of court charge where the possibility of a jail term being imposed is an option.

2. Can I file my own divorce, dissolution, or civil action?

Yes. However, individuals filing their own actions must follow the same procedures as attorneys. Pleadings must be typed on 8.5-by-11-inch paper and captioned "in the Court of Common Pleas of Fulton County, Ohio." All pleadings must have your name, address, and phone number on the cover page.

If you use internet forms you must be sure they are Ohio specific and contain all necessary information. Court staff and clerk of court staff may not give legal advice on how to prepare your documents. Please see court rules for additional information on filing documents.

3. When, or at what age, can my child choose which parent he/she wants to live with?

Under Ohio law, while a child is 18 years old or younger and a dependent, the allocation of the primary residential parenting status is determined by the court.

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County Commissioners

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1. When is my court hearing?

Call the court in which you are to appear:

• Common Pleas Court: (419) 337-9260


• Eastern District Court: (419) 826-5636


• Juvenile or Probate Court: (419) 337-9242


• Western District Court: (419) 337-9212

2. How do I get a copy of my marriage license?

Visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics website for more information.

3. Is the Bureau of Motor Vehicles open on Saturdays?

Yes. Please call (419) 335-8808 to verify hours of operation.

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Dog Warden

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1. When should I license my dog?

The annual license renewal period is December 1 through January 31. If you have a new puppy, you must buy a license by the time he reaches three months old. If you have just moved into Fulton County or if you just acquired a new dog, you must purchase a license within 30 days. (Ohio Revised Code Section 955.01)

2. Where do I purchase a dog license?

Dog licenses may be purchased online, by mail or in person at a variety of locations.

To purchase a dog license at a location near you, please see the locations at the link below:
Locations for Purchasing a License

3. Why do I need to license my dog?

Ohio law requires that you license your dog. A license tag attached to your dog's collar proves ownership and is your pet's ticket home if he gets lost.

4. Must my dog wear a license?

YES. Ohio law requires it. Dogs without licenses may be impounded by the dog warden and assessed to be a stray.

5. What if my dog’s license becomes lost?

Contact the Auditor’s office at, 419-337-9298. They will replace it for $5.00.

6. Can I let my dog run loose if he is licensed?

No. It is against the law. Ohio law specifies that all dogs must be confined to your property or under reasonable control-such as on a leash when being walked.

7. What if I forget to renew a license?

If you forget to renew a license, you will pay a penalty fee of $20 in addition to the cost of licensing the dog.

8. What if I move?

If you move within Fulton County, please call the Auditor's office at 419-337-9202 with your new address and telephone number so we can keep the information up-to-date. If you move to another county, call that county's Auditor for licensing information.

9. Where do proceeds go?

All funds received by the county dog warden are deposited in the county treasury and placed to the credit of the dog and kennel fund. (As in accordance to Ohio Revised Code 955.01-955.18).

10. What do I do if my dog gets lost?

Call the Fulton County dog warden at (419) 337-9219, the Sherriff's Office at (419) 335-4010 or your local Police Department.

11. What do I do if I find a lost dog?

Contact the Dog Warden at 419-337-9219, the Sherriff's office at 419-335-4010 or your local Police Department.

12. When a dog is picked up by the Dog Warden what is the procedure/timeline for keeping the dog at the pound?

As in accordance with Ohio law, any dog that is seized and impounded may be redeemed by its owner, keeper, or harborer at any time prior to the expiration of the applicable redemption period (3 days).

13. How long do you hold the dog to allow someone to find/call in about their pet?

Dogs that have been seized by the county dog warden and impounded shall be kept, housed and fed for three days for the purpose of redemption, as provided by section 955.18 of the Revised Code.

14. If someone comes to claim their dog, do you charge a fee to pay for its boarding, food, etc. while at the pound?

Yes. Fees can be assessed for boarding, redeeming, dart utilization, and licensing an unlicensed dog. See fees at the link below:
Fees

15. If I pick up a lost, injured dog, what do I do? Should I take it to a vet?

Immediately contact the Fulton County Dog Warden at 419-337-9219, the Sherriff's office at 419-335-4010 or your local police department.

16. If the dog is not claimed at the pound, what do you do next? How long does it remain at the pound? Does it go somewhere else?

Dogs that have been seized by the county dog warden and impounded shall be kept, housed, and fed for three days for the purpose of redemption, as provided by section 955.18 of the Revised Code.

The Dog Warden does work with outside adoption agencies and the public to adopt dogs redeemed. An adoption agency, if interested, could take the dog who has not been redeemed past the required 3 day period. Click the link below to see our dog adoption page! Dogs Available for Adoption

17. What is your procedure for handling a neglect/abuse case?

If a dog warden has reason to believe that a dog is being treated inhumanely on the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer, the warden shall apply to the court of common pleas for the county in which the premises are located for an order to enter the premises, and if necessary, seize the dog. If the court finds probably cause to believe that the dog is being treated inhumanely, it shall issue such an order. (Ohio Revised Code 944.12)

The warden and deputies shall also investigate all claims for damages to animals reported to them under section 955.29 of the Revised Code and assist claimants to fill out the claim form therefor. They shall make weekly reports, in writing, to the board in their respective counties of all dogs seized, impounded, redeemed, and destroyed and of all claims for damage to animals inflicted by dogs.

18. Is there a way for a person to find out what was decided on the neglect/abuse case he/she called in?

Yes, if it was a court action, depending on the jurisdiction of the case, one could call the Western District Court at 419-337-9212 or the Eastern District Court at 419-826-5636.

19. Do you charge an adoption fee?

Yes, along with an annual license. The license renewal period is December 1st through January 31st. If you have a new puppy, you must buy a license by the time he reaches three months old. If you have just moved into Fulton County or if you just acquired a new dog, you must purchase a license within 30 days. (Ohio Revised Code Section 955.01) See the link below for fees:

Fees

20. From where does the pound receive its funding?

Funding is received through license and registration fees.

21. Does the dog pound have an email address?

Yes, you may email the dog pound at dogwarden@fultoncountyoh.com

22. Do you board dogs for the general public?

No, we do not board dogs for the general public.

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Emergency Management Agency

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1. What does a tornado watch mean?

A tornado watch is issued when the conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur.

2. What does a tornado warning mean?

A tornado has actually been sited.

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Main

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1. How do I contact a county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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Probate Court

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1. How do I obtain a Minister License?

To obtain a license to perform marriage ceremonies you will need to fill out an application with the Secretary of the State of Ohio.

Secretary of the State of Ohio Minister License

2. How do I obtain a Marriage License Application?

Visit the Fulton County Common Please; Probate Division Marriage License Application Webpage. Marriage License

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Regional Planning

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1. Can I split my property?

Please refer to the Lot Split Application.

2. Do I need a permit?

View the Do I Need a Permit guide.

3. Is my property zoned?

Please refer to the zoning maps to see if where you live is a zoned area. View the zoned townships webpage for more information.

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Sheriff's Office

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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 as best you can.  The Fulton County Auditor can provide a printout on the property showing the numbers, and types of rooms, etc. or you can access the Auditor’s website at www.fultoncountyoh.com\auditor. Then on the left of the screen select “real estate”, then select “real estate information property search”.   Sales are “BUYER BEWARE.”  You are urged to consult an attorney if you need legal advice.

2. How does the Sheriff Sale work?

By law, the sale must be a public sale, unless ordered by the Court.  Sales are held on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted, just inside the west doors of the Fulton County Courthouse.  You, or a representative must appear to bid.  All bidding is done at the sale.  No prior or sealed bids are taken.  It works the same as any common auction.  There is no prior registration.  Make sure you can meet the terms of the sale.  Be ready to make your 10% deposit at the time of 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 Fulton 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 obtaining 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.

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Treasurer

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1. What are unclaimed funds?

Unclaimed Funds are derived from intangible personal property that the state holds for the rightful owner after it has been unclaimed over a period of time. The following are just a few sources of unclaimed funds. State of Ohio unclaimed funds: Inactive Savings and Checking Accounts; Uncashed checks; Undeliverable Stock Shares and Uncashed Dividend Checks; Uncashed Insurance Benefits; Forgotten rent and utility Deposits; Intangible Safe Deposit Box Contents.

2. What if I don’t receive a bill for my real estate taxes?

Please call the office and ask for a duplicate copy. Please make sure we are sending the bill to the proper address.

3. What if I don’t agree with the values that my property is assessed at?

You will need to contact the Auditor’s Office to file a complaint with the Board of Revision. The Auditor’s office can be contacted at (419) 337-9200.