Categories of Property Values

There are four categories of property values that contribute to the property taxes  collected by Clermont County:

1. Residential (Homes people live in)
2. Agricultural (Farms and land used for growing crops)
3. Commercial (Stores, offices, and other business properties)
4. Industrial (Factories and industrial buildings)

Local property tax revenues made up 63.1% of the West Clermont's total revenue in 2023.

It is important to note that all four categories of real estate make up this tax base. The money collected from taxes on these properties (land and buildings) is used to help pay for public schools in the county, not just residential. Businesses contribute through their property taxes (stores, offices, farmland, factories, and other business property), and are a major source of local revenue for school districts. As property values increase the amount of taxes collected goes up. For example, in the 2020 reappraisal, Class II commercial/industrial property values increased by 1.9%. The increased taxes collected on commercial real estate properties in Clermont County directly contributed to providing more revenue to public schools.

Property tax rates are voted on by the community. The county auditor, the office that collects the taxes, cannot raise or lower the tax rates. The rates are based on what the schools and government offices say they need in their budgets each year, and what the voters approve.

In summary, property from all four categories of real estate (residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial) contribute to the taxes collected in Clermont County. Those taxes are a major source of local funding that supports the operating budget of West Clermont Schools. The specific tax rates are set based on levies approved by voters.