Bluffton residents recently received a letter from the Allen County Auditor's Office. 

The county auditor has completed the reevaluation of real property in the county. The letter informs property owners of their new real estate value for the 2015 tax year. These values will be reflected on the tax bill received in 2016.

According to Rhonda Eddy-Stienecker, auditor, "The purpose of the reevaluation is not to raise or lower taxes, but to update market value due to changes in the sales market and property conditions in the country.

"Your property tax will be based on 35 percent of the total market value, per Ohio law. The county will not be able to give estimates on individual taxes due in 2016 at this time because the new rates will not be available until December."

Informal hearings take place in the Lima Mall  (former American Commodore store by Elder Beerman) Oct. 19-24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.