Columbus

Collected and spent

In fiscal year 2024, Columbus collected $1,223.8M in taxes and spent $1,168.7M.

Who decides

Columbus has a 9-member Council and a Mayor. The Mayor runs city departments. Each year, the Mayor sends Council a spending plan. That plan is due by November 15. Council then writes a budget and holds public hearings. Council cannot vote before its first meeting in January. The Mayor can veto Council's budget choices. Council can override that veto. 9 council members, one per district, 4-year terms.

When decisions happen

The city's budget year starts January 1. Each year, the Mayor sends Council a spending plan. That plan is due by November 15. Council then writes a budget from that plan. Council publishes the budget and holds public hearings. Council cannot vote on the budget before its first meeting in January.

How to reach it

City Hall's phone number is (614) 645-3111. To comment on a Council agenda item, sign up online through the city's Speak At Council page. The sign-up form is open on the day of the meeting and not before. It opens shortly after midnight and closes at 3 p.m.

Also on this tax bill

A Columbus address pays these governments too. Which school districts, counties and special districts apply depends on the address.

On every bill in Columbus

On some bills, depending on the address

To act on what you have read

Who Taxes Me describes. These three tools, made by the same team, are where you can do something about it. Each opens in a new tab.