Conference Agenda

Breakfast

Legislative Update & Annual Business Meeting (1 hr AOS approved)

• Download the Legislative Update
• Download the Business Meeting Packet

Join us as we kick-off our Fall Conference with this session presented by Alex Zumbar & Dan Talarek, Legislative Committee Co-Chairs, and a Capitol Square Update from CTAO Executive Director Kevin Futryk and State Lobbyist Erin Glossop.

Gain a working knowledge of the bills that are currently pending before the Ohio General Assembly that may impact county treasurer’s offices and operations. Participants will hear detailed descriptions of these bills and hear from county treasurers, who are members of the CTAO Legislative Committee, how these bills will impact office operations if passed, and what changes may be needed to address a problem.  

We'll also conduct the annual business of the association.

Break/Visit Exhibitors

Modernizing Tax Payments: Simplifying the Process for Taxpayers (1 hr CPIM approved)

Presenters: Jeff Brodsly, CEO, ReCo/100GROUP; J. Brad Lewis, President & Founder, F&E Payment Pros; Niko Spyridonos, Founder & CEO, AutoAgent; and Gary Norton, President, ReCo/100GROUP

• Download the session slides

Discover how to modernize tax payment systems by leveraging digital
tools such as Apple Pay, QR codes, and Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
technology. This session will explore practical strategies to streamline the
payment process, enhance taxpayer experience, and achieve significant cost savings for your office. Learn from industry experts about the benefits of digital payments and how to implement them effectively.

The U.S. and Ohio Economies: Trends and Future Prospects (1 hr CPIM approved)

Presenter: Bill LaFayette, Ph.D., Owner, Regionomics

• Download the session slides

This session will explore the Ohio economy in the context of national employment and output trends. It will highlight differences between the national economy and the state's multiple economies. It will also discuss workforce and funding challenges and offer suggestions for addressing those challenges.

AI: The New Threat to Fraud Within Organizations (1 hr CPIM approved)

Presenters: Anthony Okray, SVP, Government Banking; Amber Buening, SVP - Security Outreach Director; and Todd Ritzler, Commercial Relationship Manager III; Huntington National Bank

• Download the session slides

Fraud has always been a concern to Government entities. Most have done what they need to do to try and keep the money entrusted with them safe. Now a new technology is being used to enhance our abilities online, but has this opened a whole new door for the bad guys that are trying to get at your funds? The discussion will cover the new AI technology and provide you with safe practices to help your organization avoid losses. 

Break

Take a bit of time for yourself to catch your breath and check into your hotel room before our evening's activities.

Ohio Council of County Officials - Legislative Reception

County Treasurers are invited to attend the OCCO legislative reception at the Ohio Statehouse before joining their fellow attendees at our reception & dinner. (Shuttle service provided between the statehouse and Downtown Dinner)

Learn more about the reception

Suggested dress: Business attire

Downtown Dinner at The Kee

We'll venture downtown to experience food & fellowship with county staff and vendor partners. County treasurers will join us after the OCCO legislative reception.

Join us for dinner, music, games, and the ever-changing art gallery at The Kee. Relax in the indoor and outdoor areas situated in the lively warehouse district of Downtown Columbus. Transportation, dinner, and beer & wine will be provided.

5:00 - 6:15 pm - Appetizers, drinks, and explore The Kee

6:15 - Treasurers arrive; dinner served

7:30 pm - First bus departs from The Kee

8:00 pm - Second bus departs The Kee

After-Hours Networking

Not ready to call it a night? The hotel restaurant and bar, Two Brothers will be open to our attendees for drinks and light snacks after our evening activities. Each attendee will receive three drink tokens each evening. Additional drinks are on your own tab.

Budget Shortfall: $16 Billion of Unpaid Property Taxes (1 hour CPIM approved)

Presenter: Brad Westover, Executive Director, National Tax Lien Association

Download session slides

This session will tackle one of the most pressing financial challenges facing our nation: the staggering $16 billion in unpaid property taxes annually. We will delve into the root causes of this budget shortfall and gain valuable insights into potential solutions. Brad Westover, NTLA Executive Director will shed light on the impact of unpaid property taxes on local communities, government services, and public infrastructure, highlighting tax sales as the top solution that can help bridge the budget gap and foster financial stability for all stakeholders. Attend this session and become equipped with the knowledge and ideas to contribute to the resolution of America's property tax challenge.

County Treasurers’ 101 – An Overview of the Duties and Responsibilities of the County Treasurer’s Office as Prescribed by the Ohio Revised Code (1 hour AOS approved)

Presenters: Brad Cromes, Cuyahoga County Treasurer; Kathy Kelich, Belmont County Treasurer; Ric Wasserman, Athens County Treasurer; Alex Zumbar, Stark County Treasurer

Download the session slides

All elected County Treasurers are familiar with the general responsibilities and duties of their offices, but are they aware of all the specific requirements for
the office prescribed under the Ohio Revised Code? This presentation will provide an in-depth overview, by treasurers representing small, medium, and large counties, of role of the county treasurer as prescribed by the Ohio Revised Code Sections 321(Oath, Bonding, Duties & Responsibilities), 323 (Collection of Taxes), 1724 (Community Improvement Corporation), & 5722 (Land Reutilization Program).  Other topics to be covered are Auditor of State & Treasurer of State Programs & Resources, Continuing Education, Investment Responsibilities, Depository Contracts, and others.  

Break/Visit Exhibits

Lunch

Measure What Matters with Your Investments (1 hour CPIM approved)

Presented by: Jason Click from Meeder, along with with County Treasurers Lindsay Webb, Lucas County; Dave Wolters, Mercer County; and Michael Zuren, Lake County.

This session aims to provide a comprehensive view on measuring investment success, ensuring that decisions are data-driven and aligned with both short-term and long-term investment objectives.

Treasurer Roundtable Discussions (1 hour AOS approved)

Treasurers will gather based on county population to discuss issues facing their offices and share advice and best practices with their peers & colleagues. We will once again be offering the opportunity for similar sized counties to gather and discuss issues & topics of concern. We'll provide some questions for all groups to discuss.

Group 1 - 1-35,000 people, led by Jeff McIntosh
Group 2 - 35,001 - 55,000, led by Dave Wolters
Group 3 - 55,001 - 95,000, led by Bill Ogg
Group 4 - 95,001 - 200,000, led by John Burke
Group 5 - 200,000+, led by Dan Talarek

Break/Visit Exhibits

Break

Take a bit of time for yourself to catch your breath before our evening's activities.

Vendor-Member Mingle

We'll kick off our evening events with a networking reception with our vendor partners. Learn about their products and services while enjoying appetizers and drinks.

Leadership Installation Dinner & 100th Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday evening will feature a sit-down dinner and the swearing in of new CTAO officers. We'll also reflect on and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the CTAO. If you have any historical documents, CTAO memorabilia or photos from year's past, bring them with you!

Suggested attire: Business/business casual

"Treasurers' Got Talent" Show

Join us for "Treasurers' Got Talent," where the financial wizards drop their calculators and keyboards and pick up the mic! Treasurers, staff, and vendors unite, showcasing their hidden talents—from strumming melodies to delivering punchlines. Brace yourself for an evening where spreadsheets meet high notes and forecasts predict laughter. Don't miss this fun-filled symphony of talents!

9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

After-Hours Hospitality & Networking

Not ready to call it a night? The hotel restaurant and bar will be open to our attendees for drinks and light snacks after our evening activities. Each attendee will receive three drink tokens. Additional drinks are on your own tab.

Ohio’s Property Taxes – An Overview or Ohio’s Property Tax System, Changes Implemented Over the Years, the Current Historic Increases in Property Values, and Proposed Solutions Moving Forward, Part 1 (Two hours of AOS approved)

Featuring Tom Zaino, Steve Hall, and Brian Perera from Zaino, Hall, & Ferrin, LLP

All across Ohio, the topic of Property Taxes has been at the forefront of numerous news stories as 41 of Ohio’s counties underwent either full reappraisals or reviews of home values. This resulted in property tax/valuations increases of between 20% - 45%, putting a lot of pressure on county treasurers as residents grappled with these huge increases. This situation led this past Spring to the Ohio General Assembly creating the Joint Committee on Property Tax Review & Reform who spent 6 months examining not only the history of Ohio’s

Property Tax System, but some of the changes the state will need to consider trying to stem the tide of these dramatic increases in taxes. Their report & recommendations are due back the the General Assembly by December 2024.

Property Tax Primer, Part 2
Be sure to stay for the second half of the session!

Grab & Go (or stay!) Lunches

The Deli buffet will allow guests to build their own to-go box or eat your lunch with colleagues before you travel home.

Arriving on Monday night? Nothing official is planned, but plan to meet at the hotel bar/restaurant to meet up with friends and colleagues or plan a dinner together at one of the many restaurants nearby!