COUNTY GOVERNMENT FACT SHEET
 The structure of county government in Ohio is determined by state law.
Counties were established in Ohio in 1851 for the purpose of carrying out state laws and policies at the local level.
The structure of county government is: 3 county commissioners, an auditor, clerk of courts, recorder, coroner, prosecutor, sheriff, treasurer and an engineer.
The salaries, terms of office and duties of these 11 elected officials are set by state law.
The county commissioners are not the leaders of county government, all eleven elected officials are equal.
The county commissioners cannot pass laws. They take their actions through simple motions or resolutions.
The county commissioners can approve the annual county budget, adopt fiscal controls for most county offices, determine tax levies and bond issues for voter approval. They also hire the county administrator and directors of the departments under their jurisdiction, implement state regulations pertaining to county roads, sewers, zoning, and levy certain taxes.
There are three options for modernizing the structure of county government.
1. The Ohio legislature could amend the state law.
2. The citizens of Hamilton County could adopt a Home Rule Charter.
3. The citizens of Hamilton County could adopt an Alternative Form of County Government.
A Home Rule Charter could be obtained either by:
1. A vote of 2 of the 3 county commissioners, or a petition signed by 8% of the Hamilton County voters to place this question on the ballot_ "Shall a charter commission be established?" If a majority of the voters vote "yes" a 15 member elected charter commission must draft and submit a Home Rule Charter one year later for voter approval or rejection.
2. A petition of 10% of the Hamilton County voters to place a Home Rule Charter on the ballot for voter approval or rejection.
An Alternative Form of County Government could be established by: 2 of the 3 county commissioners, or a petition signed by 3% of the Hamilton County voters placing it on the ballot for voters to approve or reject.
Of Ohio's 88 counties, only Summit County County has adopted a Home Rule Charter. No county has adopted the Alternative Form.
Hamilton County Government Committee
May 2005
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