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If you attend a city or village council, largely regardless if it is a statutory or charter community, one will no doubtedly hear about the “three reading rule” and it sometimes leads to confusion for those that are in attendance at these meetings. What is it? What is it for? It’s a topic ripe for discussion.
The “three reading rule” is a vital feature of our state’s local government law, designed to maximize transparency and public involvement in the legislative process for cities and villages. Found in Ohio Revised Code Section 731.17, this rule requires that ordinances and resolutions be read at three separate meetings before they can be adopted, unless three-fourths of council votes to suspend the rule. While it may seem like a bureaucratic hurdle, its importance goes far beyond procedure—it underpins engagement, deliberation, and trust in public administration.
The logic behind the rule is clear: it protects local government decision-making from haste and secrecy. By spacing readings over multiple meetings, the law creates “speed bumps” that foster sober second thought, scrutiny and discussion. This time-lapse gives elected officials a chance to hear concerns, consult staff, and revisit details that might otherwise be missed if legislation was pushed through in a single session. It also gives the public a chance to think about and create dialouge around these ciritcal issues facing our community. Crucially, the three readings ensure that laws aren't adopted quickly without ample opportunity for reflection and amendment.
For the public, the rule is an open invitation to participate. Each reading allows residents to learn about new proposals, attend meetings, and speak directly to decision-makers. In practice, controversial ordinances such as zoning amendments—get a public spotlight, preventing “surprise” policies from slipping through unnoticed. As residents attend successive meetings, they can become informed advocates, raising issues or supporting legislation based on community needs. This iterative process gives officials chances to make improvements to legislation that reflect feedback, strengthening responsiveness and accountability.
Administratively, the three reading rule also has benefits. City staff and legal counsel can use the intervals between readings to research and refine complex issues, draft amendments, or clarify ambiguities. This “built-in review period” helps guard against errors or unintended consequences, reducing later disputes and saving public resources. For council members, it’s a natural brake that prioritizes due diligence over speed, ensuring that each ordinance receives the scrutiny it deserves.
Flexibility is embedded in the system. In emergencies—or for routine matters—a supermajority vote allows the rule to be relaxed. But this exception, meant only for urgent cases, keeps the overall standard of deliberation high, and ensures most local laws don’t bypass public scrutiny.
Our three reading rule ultimately strengthens the foundation of local democracy. It guarantees that government affairs happen in public, empowers citizens to monitor and shape policy, and ensures that decisions reflect broad consensus instead of narrow interests. In a time where civic trust is essential, rules like this foster legitimacy, transparency, and true engagement—the bedrock attributes of healthy, resilient communities.
Take our September Communty Survey!
September means it’s time for our every-other-month community survey. This three minute survey helps gauge our community’s thoughts on the progress being made in the community and asks you, our residents, on what our opportunities and challenges are.
And this is open to everyone! If the survey gets substantial interaction from other communities, this publication will publish those results!
Thanks for your time and your participation! It is greatly appreciated!
Thank you Readers!
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A New Handbook to grow Civic Capacity!
Recently, we created a new digital handbook, “The Citizen’s Guide to Public Records”. This handbook is designed to help residents have a better understanding of public meetings and meeting records. It’s filled with templates, ideas and other information that will open a new world of public affairs.
Also, if you have ideas for future handbooks, please let us know at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.
Want to Learn More About Troy’s Businesses?
Our publication has recently released our August 2025 Economic Abstract, the most comprehensive and up-to-date report on the businesses and industries in the City of Troy. For those that want to understand our community’s business and industries, this is a must-have report.
Thank you to our New Media Partners!
Recently, many of our stories has been showing up on the local news website, www.mymiamicounty.com. We are grateful for the good folks for sharing our work with their audience and we would encourage our readers to check them out at their website!
Our publication would also like to recognize the good work being done at www.piquanewsnow.com. Piqua News Now is a new web-based news and information site for the Miami County area, with a specific focus on Piqua!
In addition, the good folks at Piqua News Now have started a new, 24-hour streaming YouTube channel. This channel is awesome with continuous weather updates and more importanly, it provides a 24-hour audio feed from county wide dispatch. Check it out here!
You Can Help Support This Work!
Our readers and subscribers have been asking for a new way to support the work being done here at Civic Capacity! Some of our readers do not like the idea of having to sign up for another subscription service. Some of our subscribers occasionally want to give more support through a one-time transaction.
Civic Capacity is partnering with “Buy Me A Coffee” to give our readers, subscribers and friends an opportunity to give one-time support to Civic Capacity. Personally, I don’t like coffee, but I will never turn down a nice iced tea. If you feel compelled to support this effort, just click the button below. In other words, this is an online tip jar.
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