The first half of property taxes in Ohio are due March 5, but the treasurers’ offices in Mahoning and Trumbull counties are doing things a bit differently this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mahoning County Treasurer Dan Yemma and Trumbull County Treasurer Sam Lamancusa are not accepting in-person payments. Both offices will be fully staffed, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Mahoning County and between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Trumbull County.

Tax bills are being sent out, and expected to arrive in mid-February in Mahoning County and as soon as today in Trumbull County.

In a news release, Yemma states his office has “no control over delivery times of the U.S. Post Office.” Mail delays have been plaguing the U.S. Postal Service.

As long as a payment is postmarked by the due date, it will be accepted without a late fee.

But, property owners can view their bills online. Links are on the treasurers’ websites, http://treasurer.co.trumbull.oh.us/ and https://www.mahoningcountyoh.gov/218/Treasurer, and on the auditors’ websites, http://oh-mahoning-auditor.publicaccessnow.com/ and https://property.co.trumbull.oh.us/.

Payments can be submitted with bank drafts, credit and debit cards on the websites in both counties.

Neither office can accept cash payments in the mail or in person.

In Trumbull County, checks and money orders can be mailed to the office, Trumbull County Treasurer, 160 High St. NW, Second Floor, Warren, OH 44481. Or, they can be dropped off in the Harmon Avenue drop box outside of the administration building or in the drop box in the lobby of the administration building when the building is open.

In Mahoning County, payments can be accepted by phone, or checks and money orders can be sent through the mail to Mahoning County Treasurer, Mahoning County Court House, 120 Market St., First Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503.

The Mahoning County office can be reached at 330-740-2460 and treasurer@mahoningcountyoh.gov.

The Trumbull County office can be reached at 330-675-2436 and by email at treasurer@co.trumbull.oh.us.

Mahoning County’s office will arrange one-on-one meetings by appointment.

“We will arrange one-on-one meetings with our taxpayers by exception only. Please call first to make an appointment; all COVID protocols must be observed including wearing of masks. We are committed to our taxpayers and customers and will continue to strive to service your needs as best we can under these restrictions. We regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” Yemma’s news release states.

“If you feel that your issues cannot be answered through phone or email contact with the treasurer’s office, you can arrange for a personal Zoom conference call meeting with Treasurer Lamancusa by contacting the office,” Lamancusa’s news release states.

rfox@tribtoday.com