BY ANNE MICHAUD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Dozens of calls have poured into the Hamilton County treasurer's office in a summer ritual that follows publication of the unclaimed funds list.
Callers are always disappointed, though, when the treasurer can't answer their first question: How much is it?
They can fill out a form and wait for a written reply.
Or, those with Internet access can search the Ohio Department of Commerce's Web site at www.com.state.oh.us for the amount. The site has links to many other states with searchable databases as well.
The list published in The Cincinnati Enquirer on Tuesday includes only accounts received by the state in the past year, containing at least $50, with a last known address in Hamilton County.
About $10 million is owed individuals, companies and government offices here, said Robert Goering, Hamilton County treasurer. He could not say how much the largest account equals.
Statewide, unclaimed funds total close to $150 million.
Sometimes the money is from an old bank account. If no owner-initiated transaction is made for five years, the bank may rule the account dormant. Normally, the bank notifies customers before turning the money over to the state.
Other reasons a name might appear on the list: incompleted layaways, unredeemed gift certificates and unreturned utility deposits. Some states, such as New York, confiscate the money after two years. Not Ohio.
The state holds the money forever, if necessary, and uses the interest on the account to run the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds in Columbus.
The earliest accounts date to the mid-1800s, Mr. Goering said.
To search lists
The full list is available at the main branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, as well as at the treasurer's office: County Administration Building, 138 E. Court St., Room 405.
Questions about Ohio accounts may also be directed to the state office. Write (don't call) the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Unclaimed Funds, 77 S. High St., 20th Floor, Columbus 43266-0545. Include the name, address and city exactly as they appear in the unclaimed funds books.
The office will also search for names not on local lists. Send a list of complete names, along with the Ohio counties in which they might have lived. The office will provide claim forms.
