Reps. David Thomas and Adam Mathews Introduce Legislation to Simplify Township Incorporation Process

Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Representative Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) have introduced new legislation aimed at streamlining the process for large townships in Ohio to incorporate into cities or municipalities. The bill addresses the challenges faced by large townships that have grown to function similarly to cities but lack the ability to incorporate due to restrictions currently in place.

Under current law, for some townships to incorporate they must obtain approval from nearby municipalities or be forced to annex entirely into a neighboring city. The newly proposed bill aims to ease these restrictions, offering a more efficient and flexible path for townships to keep their character and incorporate based on their population size, density, and the preferences of the residents.

"This concept came to me from some of my local governments who wanted more options and possibilities to serve taxpayers better and also be prepared in case the voters abolish property taxes next year," said Rep. Thomas. "This legislation would make the decision of transforming a township into a municipality up to the voters of the township, not allowing that choice to be blocked by surrounding cities or villages."

"As we have necessary conversations on how best to maximize the efficiency of our government in Ohio, this bill gives townships and their voters flexibility to determine how best to structure their local government and continue providing quality services and protect their character," said Rep. Mathews.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Reduced Incorporation Barriers: The bill simplifies the process by eliminating the need for approval from surrounding municipalities and allows townships to incorporate based on their specific population and property valuation criteria.
• Updated Criteria for Incorporation: The bill establishes clear benchmarks for incorporation, including population density, the size of the area, and the assessed property value within the proposed area.
• Relief for Property Owners: By allowing townships to incorporate more easily, the bill gives these communities a chance to diversify their tax bases and reduce the financial burden on property owners, who currently bear the brunt of township-level taxes.

"This move is important because, if a local government spends like a city, and serves like a city, but can only tax like a township just on the property owners, then all of the burden falls to them instead of being shared," said Representative Thomas.

This legislation will provide a practical solution for many large townships that are looking to meet the growing needs of their residents while relieving the pressure on property taxes.