6/26/08 Legislature Creates Local Government Commission
Included in the Capital/Budget Corrections Bill (HB 562) approved by the Ohio General Assembly was language that creates the Ohio Commission on Local Government Reform and Collaboration. The role of the Commission is to “develop recommendations on ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of local government operations, to achieve cost savings for taxpayers, and to facilitate economic development in this state.”
The idea of a commission was first introduced in HB 521, sponsored by Rep. Larry Wolpert (R-Hilliard) and Rep. Larry Flowers (R–Canal Winchester), but the bill stalled in committee. The language of that legislation suggested that bill sponsors were interested in consolidating local governments. Through months of working together, the associations that represent local government entities (public libraries, county commissions, municipalities, and townships) were successful in modifying much of the original intent of HB 521. The language that was amended into and passed in HB 562 makes significant changes in that original language. Most notably, the original references to "consolidation" have been removed and the commission has been expanded to 15 members and will include local government representatives as voting members. The Ohio Library Council is one of the appointed members.
The commission appointments must be made not later than 90 days after the effective date of the legislation. The Governor must call the first meeting of the commission no more than 45 days after the appointments are made. The commission must issue its report no later than July 1, 2010. The bill provides $250,000 to fund the work of the commission.
The language regarding the creation of the Ohio Commission on Local Government Reform and Collaboration contained in HB 562 is available for review.
