The Mentor Finance Department’s is responsible for accounting for the city’s financial transactions. This includes, day-to-day budget administration, payment of bills, preparation of payroll, maintenance of capital asset records, receipt of monies, municipal income tax enforcement, auditing, debt administration, city insurance, and reporting the city’s financial condition.
It’s a lot to keep track of and we’re proud to state that the department has received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award for thirty-eight consecutive years.
We get a number of questions from our residents regarding finance. Here are some that are most frequently asked.
What is the Income Tax rate in Mentor?
The City of Mentor has a flat 2% Municipal Income Tax for all residents and businesses with a taxable income, and for all persons earning income within the City.
Where does this money go?
Nearly 2/3 of the city’s operating budget is supported through income tax and nearly 2/3 of that is generated by people who work in Mentor but live elsewhere. These funds help support our safety forces, road repair programs, parks and facilities, programs, and much more.
Do I have to pay income taxes if I live in Mentor but work in another city?
Mentor Residents are required to pay a 2% Municipal Income tax to the City of Mentor if they have any earned income, including lottery winnings, or rental income. Some cities offer a reciprocity and if they are taking city taxes out for their city, you will get credit for the 2% due to Mentor. It is still mandatory for all Mentor residents to FILE a city income tax return if you have any earned income.
What if I live in a different city but work in Mentor?
Individuals who live in a city that collects municipal income tax may have Mentor taxes coming out of their paycheck; but as stated above, some cities offer a reciprocity for working in another municipality. Individuals who live in a township, village, or anywhere where city taxes are not collected will have Mentor taxes taken out of their paycheck, but they are not obligated to file an annual city tax return with the City of Mentor.
Does the RITA office still have a location in City Hall?
The Regional Income Tax Agency (R.I.T.A) no longer has an in-person office located in Lake County. They can be reached via phone at 1-800-860-7482 or online at www.ritaohio.com.
Who do I talk to about my property taxes?
Property taxes are assessed and collected by the county, not the city. Contact the Lake County Auditors Office at (440) 352-2532 or www.lakecountyohio.gov/auditor.
Where can I find information about the City’s budget?
The Finance department publishes the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) each year. It is available to review at www.cityofmentor.com/finance.
The City of Mentor Finance Department is located on the 2nd floor of the Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Blvd. Mentor, Ohio 44060. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and can be reached at (440) 974-5770 or finance@cityofmentor.com.