Explaining Charter and Statutory Communities

One of the subtle differences in these communities is how decisions are made

Have you ever wondered how our cities and towns in Ohio are run? It might seem like a fairly boring topic, but when you dig into the nuances of how towns like Piqua and Troy are not managed under the same set of rules, the topic takes on new significance.

Perhaps you have heard discussions about changing Piqua back to a statutory city and Troy having its own City Charter. Sometimes these discussions are just idle watercooler banter, other times there might be some real momentum behind these ideas. But what do these terms and ideas mean? Let's break it down into simpler terms to understand better.

What's the Deal with Charter and Statutory Communities?

In Ohio, our towns and cities fall into two main categories: some, like Piqua, have a charter, making them "charter communities." Others, like Troy, follow state laws directly because they don't have a charter, making them "statutory communities." But what's the difference, and why does it matter?

Charter Communities: Making Their Own Rules

Charter communities have a special document called a charter, which is like their own set of rules or a mini-constitution. This gives them the freedom to make decisions that best fit their needs. They can decide on how to run their local government and even make their own laws. Think of it as being allowed to customize your car however you want because it's yours.

How Do Cities Become Charter Communities?

Becoming a charter community starts with the people. They propose a charter, and if a majority agrees (through an election), the city adopts it. This lets the city have more control over what happens locally, from setting up city departments to deciding how to handle local issues. It's all about having the flexibility to do what's best for the community.

The Story Behind Charter Communities

The idea of having charter communities came about a long time ago when people were thinking of better ways to run their cities. They wanted to separate the people making laws from those running the city's day-to-day operations. This led to the "city manager" system, where a professional manager is in charge of the city's operations, making things run smoothly and efficiently.

In charter communities, the elected officials are strictly just the City Council (or City Commission in places like Piqua and Dayton). These individuals play strictly a legislative role, adopting the resolutions and ordinances on the recommendation of the City Manager. In these communities, the Mayor is seen as “first among equals”; the Mayor has the same powers as the other council members.

Statutory Communities: Following State Rules

On the flip side, statutory communities don't have charters. Instead, they follow a set of rules made by the state. These rules outline how the city should be run, what powers the local government has, and how decisions are made. It's a bit like following a recipe book to the letter when cooking.

In the statutory system, the Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer of the city. The most important power the Mayor of any statutory community has is appointing the Director of Public Service and Safety, who acts as the Chief Administrator Officer of the city. This person often has the same educational background and experience as a city manager but is responsible solely to the Mayor and not to the City Council.

Also in the statutory system, the City Council is a legislative body and can only act on those resolutions and ordinances brought forward, usually by the Mayor or the Chief Administrative Officer. The statutory system also allows for the election of certain executive officers such as the Auditor, Treasurer, and Law Director. Also in the statutory system, the Mayor does not preside over the meetings of the council, which is the responsibility of the separately elected President of Council.

How Does This Affect You?

• Charter Communities: If you live in a charter community, your local government has more room to tailor its rules and operations to what the community needs. It's a bit more flexible and can adapt to changes more easily.

• Statutory Communities: Things are more straightforward but less flexible if you're in a statutory community. Your town follows the state's rules, which means changes might take longer and there's less room for customization.

Making Changes and Adapting

Charter communities can change their rules if they need to, by asking the residents to vote on new ideas. This means they can quickly adapt to new challenges or opportunities. Statutory communities, however, need to wait for state laws to change if they want to do things differently.

Where Do We Find These Communities?

Interestingly, where these communities are located in Ohio can tell us a bit about their history. Charter communities often pop up in the latter-settled parts of Ohio with a history of wanting more local control. Statutory communities tend to be in places with longer histories, sticking to traditions and the state's guidance.

Why Does It Matter?

Understanding whether your community is a charter or statutory one helps you see how decisions are made and how you can get involved. Each system has its benefits, whether it's more flexibility or following a tried-and-true method. Knowing more about this can help you be more informed about your local government and maybe even get involved in improving your community.

So, next time you hear someone talking about changing from a charter to a statutory community (or vice versa), you'll now have a better idea of what is being discussed.