Wither The Village?

Could these small communities become extinct?

The landscape of Miami County is dotted with charming villages that have played a significant role in shaping our county’s history and character. These small communities, each with its own unique story, collectively house over 11,800 residents, accounting for about 10% of the county's population. But what exactly is a village, and how have these communities evolved over time?

According to state law, a village is essentially a small town with fewer than 5,000 residents. While they enjoy some degree of local self-governance similar to larger cities, villages operate under certain restrictions. Despite their size, some villages maintain their own police and fire departments, as well as utility systems. One interesting feature of village governance is the Board of Public Affairs, an elected body responsible for overseeing water and sewer services. Where in cities and counties, this is usually the responsibility of an either elected or appointed engineer.

Miami County is home to nine villages, most of which are nestled in the western part of the county, often near or along the Stillwater River. This geographical distribution is no coincidence. In the early days of settlement, rivers were crucial transportation corridors and vital sources of water for people and livestock. The sizes of these villages vary considerably, from West Milton with nearly 4,700 residents to the quaint hamlet of Ludlow Falls with just 175 inhabitants.

Historically, villages were the beating heart of the local agricultural economy. They served as convenient trading hubs where farmers and merchants from surrounding areas would gather to buy and sell goods. The economic pillars of these communities typically consisted of a grain elevator, a saloon, a church, and a dry goods store. The establishment of a post office was often seen as a sign that a village had truly "made it."

Looking back a century, we can see how the role of villages in Miami County has shifted. In 1920, the county's villages were home to 7,438 residents, representing about 15% of the total county population, when the county had just over 48,000 residents. Fast-forward to 1970, and we see that while the county's population had grown to around 84,000, the proportion of village residents had slightly decreased to just under 14%.

The period between 1970 and 2020 brought mixed fortunes for the county's villages. Most experienced population declines, with Bradford continuing a downward trend that began earlier in the century, losing 17% of its residents. Casstown and Fletcher also saw significant decreases in population. Even Covington, with its diversified local economy, remained stagnant. Only West Milton and Pleasant Hill bucked this trend, experiencing population growth of 27% and 21% respectively.

This pattern of decline raises questions about the future of these small communities. The possibility of village dissolution is not just a theoretical concern, but a real threat faced by some of Ohio's smallest municipalities. Under current state law, a village can be dissolved if it's in fiscal emergency, has fewer than 150 residents, or if its voters petition for dissolution. In such cases, the village's assets and liabilities are transferred back to the township where it's located.

The process of village dissolution can be complex and contentious, as demonstrated by the case of Amelia in Clermont County. In 2019, Amelia's residents faced a difficult choice between imposing a new income tax to support village operations or dissolving the village entirely. They chose dissolution, a decision that led to a messy transition and prompted discussions in Ohio's General Assembly about clarifying the provisions surrounding village dissolution.

As we look to the future, it's clear that many of Miami County's villages face significant challenges. The trends of the past century suggest that some may continue to lose population, potentially to the point where their very existence as self-governing entities is threatened. This isn't unprecedented; a drive around Miami County reveals the ghosts of former villages like Phoneton, West Charleston, Staunton, and Frederick, now reduced to little more than roadside signs, if that.

However, it's important to remember that these villages are more than just population statistics or administrative units. They are communities with rich histories, unique characters, and residents who care deeply about their future. The challenges they face are real, but so is the resilience and adaptability that have allowed many of these villages to survive and evolve over more than a century.

As Miami County continues to change and grow, the role of its villages will undoubtedly continue to evolve. Whether they will find new ways to thrive in the 21st century or gradually fade into history remains to be seen. What's certain is that their story is far from over, and the decisions made by village residents, county officials, and state legislators in the coming years will play a crucial role in shaping the future of these small but significant communities.

What Do You Think?

Do you live in a village? Did you grow up in a village? What was village life like for you? Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment thread!

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