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County government in Ohio is both unique and historic.
It's historic because Washington County was the first county government of the Northwest Territory back in the late 1700s and the first form of government before there were states. It's unique because county government was established before the other divisions of government - states, municipalities, townships and school districts.
In short, the county system came first! And for its citizens the county in which they live has a significant impact on their daily lives in areas such as law enforcement, elections, infrastructure, access to healthcare and courts, just to name a few.
Where it started
The County system, based on the Old Saxton "Shire" system in England, was the first governing body in the Northwest Territory, which would eventually become five states. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 divided the territory into nine counties until the states were established. In Ohio, Washington County was the first county government in the NW Territory and the State of Ohio; so, Washington County government is the oldest form of government in Ohio.
Today, there are 88 counties in Ohio and all but two, Summit and Cuyahoga, have the exact same system of organization primarily established in 1787. They derive their newer powers and duties from the Ohio Constitution, and are considered subdivisions of the state. While municipalities are considered to have "home rule" and may exercise powers of local self-government adopting laws not in conflict with the state, county governments may only enforce state laws and cannot create laws that are not already part of state ordinances. For example, county government cannot license cats because state law only requires dogs to be licensed. Municipalities, on the other-hand, can create a new and separate law to license cats.
Who governs
All 88 counties in Ohio consist of just 11 elected positions. These positions govern different parts of the citizens' needs and activities.
They are:
¯ 3 positions on a County Board of Commissioners
¯ 1 Auditor
¯ 1 Clerk of Courts
¯ 1 Coroner
¯ 1 Engineer
¯ 1 Prosecuting Attorney
¯ 1 Recorder
¯ 1 Treasurer
¯ 1 Sheriff
The County Commissioners are elected on alternating years and serve a four-year term. This Board is responsible for governing and budgeting for 25 separate appointed and statutory boards and commissions ranging from Planning, Veterans, Taxes, and Fair Housing to Children's Services and Boards of Health. The Board is required to hold a minimum of 50 meetings per year. The average salary for a Washington County Commissioner in 2022 was $142,259.
Additionally, a Board of Elections, supervised by the County Board of Commissioners, is part of the county system. Four BOE members, consisting of two from each of the major political parties is recommended by the county's two political parties' Central Committees. From these recommendations the Secretary of State appoints board members. Each board member serves for four years.,
A township's role in the county
Each County is also divided into specific local governing boards by townships. There are 1,308 townships in Ohio. Each is exactly 6 miles by 6 miles and an area of 36 square miles. Washington County, Ohio has 22 townships, each governed by a board of 3 elected officials who run as non-partisan candidates for Township Trustee in the general election. They each serve a term of 4 years. One fiscal officer is also appointed by the Township Trustees.
The job of the Trustees is to oversee the maintenance of roads, fire, EMTs zoning, building codes, lighting, waste disposal, and fees in their townships. Ohio townships have direct responsibility for maintaining 41,000 miles of roads and 2,400 cemeteries. Trustees are required to meet twice a month and are paid per diem, not to exceed 200 meetings in one year. The average Trustee will make, depending on the number of meetings, about $38,626 a year. Citizens can check the local township website to gain contact information and meeting times for their elected Trustees.
Two functions, equally important
County Governments in Ohio basically serve two functions. First, they manage the county's resources and develop, manage, and supervise the county's infrastructure and institutions. Secondly, while they do not make laws, they coordinate all the functions of the various departments and enforce and report on compliance of laws in the state.
This county system has withstood the test of time. With its 11 elected officials, plus additional elected positions at the township level, there is ample opportunity for citizens to participate in their local government as elected officials and as voters. The county government is only as strong and as dynamic as those who participate. That's why it's important for every citizen to vote.
Cowdery is with the Living Democracy: Engaging Citizens project.