Townships 101: An Inside Look at this Local Government

One of the oldest, smallest and most uniform forms of local government are explored.

Over the past year, this publication, probably more than other, has dived into issues facing township government throughout Miami County, from annexation to fire and emergency medical services. And with each story written about township government, there is always the common refrain: “What is a township?”

Township government in Ohio is one of the state's oldest forms of local governance, predating Ohio’s statehood. Townships are also one of the most diverse forms of local government as well. There are over 1,300 townships in Ohio, and they range in population from the 64,000 residents in West Chester Township in Butler County to less than 100 residents in Jackson Township in Noble County. Each township operates from the same set of laws in the Ohio Revised Code, regardless of how big, or small, they are.

Townships serve the unincorporated areas (meaning areas that aren’t part of a city or a village), offering a form of government that is closer to the people, providing essential services and addressing local concerns. Understanding the structure, responsibilities, funding, limitations, and cooperative efforts of township government in Ohio gives a comprehensive picture of its role and significance.

The governance of a township in Ohio is overseen by a three-member board of trustees. These trustees are elected to serve four-year terms, with elections staggered in odd-numbered years to ensure continuity in governance. The trustees are charged with the overall administration of the township. They are responsible for setting policies, approving budgets, and overseeing various township services. Their role is pivotal in ensuring that the township operates smoothly and efficiently, addressing the needs and concerns of the residents.

Alongside the board of trustees is the fiscal officer, also elected for a four-year term. The fiscal officer plays a crucial role in managing the township’s finances. This includes keeping accurate financial records, managing funds, and ensuring that the township complies with state financial regulations. The fiscal officer's responsibilities are essential in maintaining transparency and accountability in the township’s financial matters.

Township governments in Ohio are tasked with a wide range of responsibilities that cater to the needs of the unincorporated areas. One of the primary responsibilities is road maintenance. Townships are responsible for maintaining township roads, which includes paving, snow removal, and repairs. This ensures that roads are safe and passable throughout the year, which is especially critical during harsh winter months.

Unlike cities and villages, which are responsible for all streets in their community, townships are only responsible for certain roads (“township roads”) in their township. County roads are handled by the county and State Routes are handled by the state. Township roads tend to be less traveled than county routes and are usually denoted by a T-### on mile marker signs here in Miami County, while county roads are denoted by a C-### on their mile marker signs.

Another significant responsibility of townships is the management and maintenance of township cemeteries. These cemeteries serve as final resting places for many residents, and their upkeep is a matter of respect and community heritage. Not all cemeteries may be “active”, meaning that there are plots that can still be the final resting place for individuals. These cemeteries, once full, are called “inactive”, but still must be maintained. Township residents that are indigent, are still entitled to be buried in a township cemetery that is active and in those instances, townships are required to cover the cost of those burials.

Additionally, townships have the authority to adopt zoning regulations. These regulations control land use and development within the township’s boundaries, helping to manage growth and preserve the character of the community. In Miami County, Bethel, Brown, Elizabeth and Lost Creek townships all administer their own township zoning codes. The remaining townships rely on the county zoning department to enforce a county-wide zoning code in those townships.

Public safety is another crucial area where township governments are involved. Most townships provide fire protection and emergency medical services. This can be done through their own departments (such as Bethel Township) or in cooperation with neighboring municipalities and counties (such as Concord Township that contracts with the City of Troy). Law enforcement services can also be provided directly or through agreements with county sheriffs or other local police departments. Ensuring public safety is a fundamental responsibility that directly impacts the well-being of residents.

Townships also play a role in developing and maintaining parks and recreational facilities. These spaces provide residents with opportunities for leisure, exercise, and community activities. Well-maintained parks and recreational facilities contribute to the overall quality of life in the township.

The funding for township governments in Ohio comes from a variety of sources. Property taxes are the primary source of revenue, supplemented by state and federal grants, as well as other sources such as fees and fines. The financial resources available to a township significantly influence the level of services it can provide. Townships with more substantial revenue streams can offer more comprehensive services, while those with limited resources may need to prioritize essential services.

Despite their essential role, township governments in Ohio have certain limitations. Unlike cities or villages, townships generally do not have home rule authority, which means they can only exercise those authorities that are granted through the Ohio Revised Code. This limits their ability to address some local issues independently. Additionally, townships have limited ability to impose taxes, which can restrict their financial flexibility and capacity to generate revenue for local projects and services.

To address these limitations and enhance their service delivery, township governments often cooperate with other local governments, counties, and special districts. This collaboration can take various forms, such as shared services agreements, joint projects, and regional planning efforts. By working together, townships can pool resources, share expertise, and address regional issues more effectively. This cooperative approach helps townships overcome some of their inherent limitations and provide better services to their residents.

Township government in Ohio plays a vital role in local governance, particularly in unincorporated areas. The structure, responsibilities, funding mechanisms, and cooperative efforts of township governments ensure that they can meet the needs of their communities effectively. While they face certain limitations, their ability to adapt and collaborate with other entities helps them continue to serve as a critical component of local governance in Ohio. Townships provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for residents and ensure the orderly development and maintenance of community infrastructure and resources.

Do you live in a Township? How do you like it? Feel free to leave your ideas and insights in the comment section!

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