Ohio Government
Constitution set settlement requirements to start a township
Townships would evolve to villages or towns, then cities
Cities would form counties
(we’re still old fashioned in Madison)
Townships
Must be run by 3 trusteesHave a square, church and schoolAnnual meeting/ElectionsRural/basic governmentLeast powerful govt. in the state
Village/Town
Once your population reaches 500 you can apply to be a V/T
IncorporatedNeed a charter, voter approvalCan annex township land
Cities
Populations over 5,000
Need a charter-Home Rule in Ohio
Need voter approval
Incorporated
Tax, elections, services
County
The major unit of local government
Coordinates the local governments
Courts, finances, roads, safety, recreation, schools, elections
Lake County GovernmentAuditor
Clerk of Courts
Coroner
Engineer
Prosecutor
Recorder
Sheriff
Treasurer
Run by 3 Commissioners Elected executives (not appointed)
Services
Road maintenance Sheriff
Medical Welfare Programs
Tax collection, land value Libraries
Parks General Welfare/Safety
Lake County Offices
Board of Education LakeTranBoard of Elections Dog ShelterBuilding Inspectors Health DistrictEmergency Management AgencyJob and Family ServicesLake Metro Parks Solid WastePlanning Commission Utilities Dept.
Lake County Courts
Common pleas has 4 divisions
1. Juvenile
2. Probate
3. Domestic relations
4. General
Common Pleas
Municipal
Magistrate/Justice of the PeaceMayors
City Government
1. Mayor-council2. Council-manager3. Commission
Provide services, special districtsTown/village-same on a smaller scale
Services (some shared w/county)
Police Fire LibrariesStreets, sidewalks, bridgesAirports Bussing Parks/Pools Sports arenasGolf Courses SewersStreet lights Public Housing