The Auditor serves as the county's chief fiscal officer, chief assessor, and sealer of weights and measures. As fiscal officer, the auditor is responsible for maintaining county financial records and issuing warrants for payment of county obligations. As assessor, the auditor is charged with determining property values for taxing purposes and transferring real property deeds. And, as sealer of weights and measures, the auditor tests and certifies the accuracy of various commercial measuring devices.Additionally, the Auditor serves as administrator of the county's data processing center and secretary to the Data Processing Board, secretary to both the Board of Revision and the Budget Commission, and deputy registrar for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Other duties include issuing dog and vendor licenses, certifying tax rates, administering various tax reduction programs and maintaining the county's tax map.
Education/Experience
Karl Keith has served as Montgomery County Auditor since 2000. A Certified Cash Manager and past President of the CAAO, he holds degrees from Ashland College and Miami University, is a lifetime NAACP member, and 2020 Fair Housing award winner.
The County Auditor’s most important responsibility is the responsible management and safeguarding of over a billion dollars in taxpayer funds each year, guided by integrity, transparency, and service. My office ensures accurate financial reporting and has earned the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting every year since I have been Auditor. We also safeguard over a billion dollars in property tax revenue annually, ensuring funds reach schools, emergency services, libraries, and local jurisdictions. Through leadership and innovation, we deliver results residents trust.
I bring over two decades of experience serving Montgomery County as your County Auditor. I have led the office through major challenges, including the housing market crash and Memorial Day tornadoes, ensuring residents were supported. My office protects residents by stopping retail overpricing and inspecting fuel pumps to prevent fraud. I am a leading advocate for tax relief, with a proven record of standing up for taxpayers and pushing back on policies that shift burdens onto homeowners and small businesses. I will continue fighting for fairness and delivering results for our community.
If elected, I will continue to ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while advocating for meaningful property tax relief that does not come at the expense of local jurisdictions and essential services. I will build on my office’s strong record of transparency, fairness, and accessibility by remaining actively engaged in the community to better serve our residents. My goal is to protect property owners, strengthen trust in government, and advocate for policies that keep Montgomery County financially strong and responsive to its citizens.
Education/Experience
Real Estate Broker w/25+ years of experience in property valuation & market analysis. Degrees in Administration & Real Estate; Certificates in Human Resources, Entrepreneur, & Marketing. Former Dental Financial Coordinator managing systems / accounts
The County Auditor’s work directly affects every taxpayer, which makes this role a serious responsibility. As the county’s chief fiscal officer, the Auditor must maintain accurate property records, ensure fair and consistent valuations, and oversee financial reporting with transparency and accountability. Residents depend on clear, accessible information to understand how property values and tax decisions are determined. This office requires careful oversight, fairness, and a strong commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources.
For more than 25 years as a REALTOR®, I have worked directly with property values, market cycles, and the financial decisions families make when buying or selling a home. That experience has shown me how property values affect homeownership opportunities, financial stability, and the ability to remain in a home over time. Protecting property rights and ensuring fairness in valuation and taxation have long been part of my work in our communities. I will bring that same commitment to fairness, accountability, and service to the Auditor’s office.
If elected, I will focus on strengthening transparency, modernization, and accountability within the Auditor’s office. Residents deserve clear, easy access to property data and financial records. This includes modern online tools, simplified property search systems, and clearer explanations of valuations and tax calculations. As chief fiscal officer, the Auditor should ensure accurate data and responsible financial oversight while improving how information is shared with the public. My goal is to make the office more accessible, transparent, and responsive to taxpayers.
