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Mediation
Real Estate > Mediation

OVERVIEW

The 2023 filing season has ended. The BOR will begin accepting tax year 2024 complaints
on November 8, 2024.

Mediation is an opportunity in which an independent and neutral individual (mediator) facilitates communication and negotiation between the property owner and the Auditor’s Office to assist them in reaching a voluntary agreement regarding property valuation. The procedure is outside of the hearing process for the Board of Revision. However, the Board of Revision must approve any settlement reached in a mediation. If you would like more information on our mediation program, please call 614-525-4663(HOME) and ask for mediation. 

Qualification

The Board of Revision will review the complaint and select the most efficient path for your case. Typically, if the case is requesting less than a $50,000 reduction in value it would qualify for the Mediation program.   

If your case is selected for mediation, consider submitting documentation substantiating the value you have requested in your complaint. Some examples of supporting documentation include appraisals, purchase contracts/settlement statements, comparable sales for the area and photos of the property. You are welcome to submit the documentation you believe will best serve your case. This documentation should be submitted well in advance of the mediation session.  

 

more information

Mediation Process

Scheduling Call 

  • During this phone call the mediation clerk goes over the basics of mediation, along with scheduling a date and time for the mediation session. 

Notification of Telephone Mediation 

  • The mediation clerk will e-mail/mail a notification letter containing the date and time of the mediation session, the conference call information as well as the mediation clerk’s contact information. 

Reminder Call 

  • The mediation clerk will follow-up with a reminder call the day before the scheduled mediation session. 

Mediation 

  • The process involves a telephone conference call between the property owners, a third-party independent mediator, and an auditor’s representative. A mediation conference typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. This gives the property owner an opportunity to discuss why the property’s value should be changed and hopefully reach an agreement. 

Mediation Agreement 

  • If an agreement is reached during mediation, the agreement will be sent out with the new agreed upon value. This agreement needs to be signed and returned as soon as possible, but not later than two weeks after the mediation. If an agreement is not made, the property owner has the option of requesting a full evidentiary hearing before the Board of Revision or withdrawing the case. 

Approval/Denial from the BOR 

  • Once the agreement is returned, it will be sent for approval by the Board of Revision. If it is not approved, the agreement will be denied and scheduled for a full evidentiary hearing before the Board of Revision. The property owner will be notified of the outcome by mail. 

Decision Letter/Adjustments 

  • When an agreement is approved by the Board of Revision, a decision letter will be sent by email or certified mail stating the approval and the new value of the property. Once receipt confirmation is made there is no other step which needs completed by the property owner. Adjustments to the auditor’s records will be made accordingly.