COLUMBIANA COUNTY, Ohio - Property owners across Columbiana County are asking why their tax bills are higher this year. 

"We've had several complaints. We've been busy at the counter out front," Columbiana County Auditor, Nancy Miliken told 21 News. 

The increase follows the county's required triennial update, a process conducted every three years under Ohio law. The update adjusts property values based on recent sales in each area of the county. 

"We have to look at sales in every area of Columbiana County. Some sales were higher and some were lower, but that's the law," Miliken said. 

In some high demand communities, like Columbiana, property sales rose by as much as 36 percent. 

Other townships such as Butler, Knox, Yellow Creek, and Unity also saw increases tied to higher sales activity. 

County leaders said not every property owner experienced an increase, and this increase does not automatically mean taxes will go up the same rate.

The county attempted to challenge the increases by submitting proposals to the Ohio Department of Taxation, but all three proposals were denied before an agreement was reached. 

When asked whether people might see another increase during the next full reappraisal in 2028, Jamie Poppelriter, Columbiana County real estate supervisor, said its too early to know.