The Hamilton County Auditor’s Department is an essential component of county government with numerous legally mandated responsibilities. Headed by Auditor Jessica E. Miranda, the department is committed to upholding integrity, fostering innovation, and ensuring accessibility. Its mission focuses on delivering excellent customer service, providing reliable public information, and managing taxpayer resources effectively.
The department is key to building trust between the government and residents. Through its work in fiscal oversight, property assessment, payroll management, and consumer protection, the office promotes fairness, transparency, and operational efficiency throughout the county.
Functions of the Auditor’s Department!
Serving as the county’s chief fiscal officer, the Auditor’s Department manages all financial operations, covering revenues, expenditures, and cash balances. The department creates financial reports accessible to the public, which supports transparency in government spending. This enables residents to track how funds are used and promotes accountability among officials.
In its role as chief assessor, the department is responsible for determining property values used for taxation. Ensuring accurate valuations is vital for fair tax distribution among both individuals and businesses. The office oversees the Board of Revision, which allows property owners to challenge assessments formally that they believe are incorrect. This process upholds fairness and ensures residents can participate in tax-related decisions.
Additionally, the department serves as the chief payroll officer, managing salaries, benefits, and deductions for county staff. Accurate payroll management is essential to ensure public employees are paid correctly and on time. By keeping detailed payroll records, the Auditor’s Department enhances operational efficiency and supports the well-being of its workforce.
The department is also responsible for acting as the sealer of weights and measures. It inspects commercial equipment like gas pumps, grocery scales, and other measurement devices to verify accuracy. This work protects consumers by ensuring they receive the correct quantities and helps businesses by promoting a level playing field.
The department is structured into specialized divisions, each with specific responsibilities. These divisions collaborate to fulfill the Auditor’s legal obligations with a strong focus on customer service. For instance, the property valuation division manages assessments and appeals, while the fiscal division oversees financial reports and cash flow. Collectively, these groups form a system that supports both the county’s fiscal health and safeguards consumers.
In addition to its mandated functions, the department has adopted modern technology. Online services like the property search tool, expenditure tracker, and transfer calculator demonstrate the office’s dedication to innovation and public access. The move toward digital solutions has minimized paperwork, boosted efficiency, and made information easier for residents to obtain.