14.9 How Townships Are Governed

Townships in Ohio are governed by a board of township trustees and a township fiscal officer, all of whom are elected by the residents.

A board of township trustees is the governing body of a township in Ohio. Consisting of three elected members, the board is responsible for overseeing the administration of township services and regulations, including road maintenance, zoning, fire protection, and other local services. Trustees are elected to four-year terms, with elections staggered to ensure continuity. The board holds regular public meetings to make decisions on township matters, set budgets, and address community concerns.

The township fiscal officer is also elected and is responsible for maintaining the township’s financial records, handling budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. This officer plays a crucial role in ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability.

Townships may adopt limited home rule, which grants them additional authority to pass local regulations and manage public works projects such as water and sewer systems. However, even with limited home rule, townships have fewer powers compared to cities and villages and must often rely on county governments for certain services.

Additionally, townships are required to hire a township administrator who handles much of the administrative work, assisting the trustees in managing the day-to-day operations of the township. The governance structure of townships emphasizes local control and community involvement, with elected officials directly accountable to the residents they serve. This setup allows for governance that is closely aligned with the specific needs and preferences of the township’s population.

Reference

Bethel, Alyssa. 2015. Overview of Ohio Local Government. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. Columbus, OH.