Ohio Republican Party's headquarters was on a list of tax liens

The Ohio Republican Party's headquarters, at the corner of 5th and Rich streets in downtown Columbus, appeared on the list of liens for sale next month because taxes on it had not been paid in full. Bob Vitale, spokesman for the Franklin County Treasurer, says properties on that list have been in arrears for a while.

"If someone has a debt for more than 18 months, the property becomes eligible to go into that sale," Vitale said.

The Ohio Republican Party did not pay taxes for the second half of 2019, did not pay any taxes in 2020, and did not pay taxes for the first half of this calendar year, Vitale said. The ORP paid a total of $48,938.01 in August but still owed a total of $3501.92 in outstanding fees and assessments.

Hours after the Ohio Statehouse News Bureau contacted the party Thursday morning to ask about the overdue tax bill, Vitale said payment for $3501.92 was made around 1:30 p.m. Vitale said the payment means the party's tax bill is now up to date.

A statement from Ohio Republican Party Communications Director Tricia McLaughlin said the party "was not made aware of outstanding Franklin County property taxes, but when made aware of the $3,501.92 in special fees, which was not included on any invoice, the ORP paid in full that day."

The Ohio Democratic Party questioned the handling of ORP finances by former Chair Jane Timken who is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Rob Portman.

"If Jane can't effectively manage the budget of the Ohio Republican Party, how can she be trusted with the hard-earned dollars of U.S. taxpayers?" ODP spokesman Matt Keyes said in a statement.

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