7-29-2026 11:53pm

Warren County Investment Income Expected to Top $14 Million in 2026

Beth Callahan Editor

LEBANON, OH -- Warren County's investment portfolio continues to outperform expectations, with county officials now projecting more than $14 million in investment earnings this year—about $2 million above what was originally budgeted.

During the July 28 meeting of the Warren County Board of Commissioners, County Treasurer Randy Kuvin presented the quarterly report of the county's Investment Advisory Committee, saying the county's financial position remains strong despite a stable interest rate environment.

Kuvin reported that Warren County held just under $360 million in surplus funds invested as of June 30. He expects that balance to grow to approximately $370 million by year's end after the county receives its share of property tax collections and distributes funds to local governments and taxing districts.

The county also maintains approximately $80 million in liquid assets through Star Ohio, the state's public investment pool, where the funds are currently earning 3.82% interest. Kuvin said that rate is now nearly equal to the county's overall weighted investment yield, a sign that interest rates have largely stabilized.

"We should be able to maintain that kind of rate of return on our core investments for the foreseeable future," Kuvin told commissioners, estimating annual investment income will likely remain between $14 million and $15 million over the next three to five years.

While stable interest rates have created challenges for homebuyers seeking mortgages, Kuvin noted they have benefited the county's investment portfolio and could provide additional opportunities if rates increase further.

The discussion also turned to the county's ongoing property tax collection period. Kuvin reminded residents that property taxes are due Aug. 12, explaining that this year's collection schedule was pushed back because of new state tax legislation that required additional calculations before bills could be mailed.

According to Kuvin, approximately 95% of Warren County property owners pay their taxes by the due date, with another 2% to 3% paying shortly afterward. By the end of the tax year, the county typically collects 97% to 98% of all property taxes, with the remaining delinquent taxes recovered through payment plans, tax certificate sales and other collection efforts.

Commissioners noted that Warren County's delinquency rate compares favorably with other Ohio counties, a point Kuvin agreed with during the discussion.

Commissioners also questioned Kuvin about the penalties assessed for late payments. He explained that Ohio law imposes a 5% penalty during the first week after the due date, increasing to 10% after one week. However, the Treasurer's Office may waive penalties for taxpayers with a good payment history. Kuvin said his office processes between 500 and 750 penalty remission requests each year, approving about 90% of them because the taxpayers had not established a pattern of late payments.

Kuvin also explained that the timing of property tax due dates is governed by the Ohio Tax Commissioner, with Warren County traditionally setting deadlines on the last Wednesday of February and the last Wednesday of July unless the state authorizes an extension.

The treasurer is expected to return in October to present the county's next quarterly investment report, accompanied by the county's investment adviser.