Officers: Powers and Duties
The Mayor #
The mayor is the executive head of the village. ORC 733.24
The mayor presides at council meetings but votes only to break a tie in statutory plan villages.
The mayor appoints certain officers and employees, subject to council approval.
Veto Power
The mayor may veto ordinances and resolutions. Council can override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
Law Enforcement and Supervision
The mayor is the chief conservator of the peace. The mayor supervises village officers and may remove or suspend them, subject to a council hearing.
Mayor's Court
Under ORC Chapter 1905, the mayor can hear minor misdemeanors and traffic cases. Some villages have eliminated Mayor's Court.
Succession
On the death, resignation, or removal of the mayor, the president pro tempore of council becomes mayor. ORC 733.25, ORC 731.11
Compensation
The mayor's compensation is set by ordinance. ORC 731.13. A change in compensation cannot take effect during the current term.
Village Council #
Council consists of six members (or five, if reduced by vote of the electorate). Members are elected at large to four-year terms.
Legislative Authority
Council is the legislative authority of the village. It passes ordinances and resolutions. ORC 731.47
Quorum and Voting
A quorum is a majority of members: four of six, or three of five. ORC 731.44
Votes are taken by yeas and nays. A majority of all members elected is required to pass legislation. ORC 731.17
Meetings
Council sets its own meeting schedule by rule. ORC 731.46
Special meetings may be called by the mayor or any three council members. Written notice is required.
Ordinances vs. Resolutions
Ordinances are permanent legislation. They require three readings and publication. Resolutions are less formal actions.
Three-Reading Rule
Every ordinance must be read by title on three separate days. Council may suspend this rule by a three-fourths vote. ORC 731.17
Rules and Journal
Council establishes its own rules of procedure. ORC 731.45. Council keeps a journal of its proceedings.
Compensation
Council member compensation is set by ordinance. ORC 731.13
Removal and Suspension
Removal of a council member for cause requires a two-thirds vote to initiate proceedings, a hearing, and a majority vote to remove. ORC 733.72 through ORC 733.76
Village Clerk / Fiscal Officer #
The clerk is the fiscal officer of the village. The position is elected for a four-year term.
ORC 733.262 allows a village to replace the elected clerk position with an appointed Fiscal Officer by ordinance.
Record Keeping
The clerk keeps the record of council proceedings, including minutes, ordinances, and resolutions.
Financial Duties
The clerk maintains all financial records for the village. Key responsibilities include:
- Certifying availability of funds before expenditures (ORC 5705.41)
- Payroll processing and tax filings
- Bank reconciliation
- Budget preparation
- Filing the annual financial report with the Auditor of State
This is often the hardest-working position in a small village.
Village Treasurer #
The treasurer is elected to a four-year term and serves as the custodian of village funds.
The treasurer receives all money due to the village. ORC 733.42 through ORC 733.44
Village funds must be deposited in designated depositories. ORC 733.44, ORC 321.01
In many small villages, the clerk and treasurer duties overlap considerably. The fiscal officer conversion under ORC 733.262 combines both roles into a single appointed position.
Village Solicitor #
The solicitor is legal counsel for the village. The position is appointed by the mayor with council confirmation. ORC 733.48 through ORC 733.51
The solicitor advises council, the mayor, and other village officers on legal matters.
The solicitor prosecutes violations of village ordinances in Mayor's Court.
Many small villages share a solicitor with neighboring municipalities or use the county prosecutor's office for legal services.
The solicitor is the proper official to render legal opinions for the village. ORC 733.51
Other Positions #
Village Administrator
The village administrator is an optional appointed position. Council creates the position by ordinance. ORC 735.271
Board of Trustees of Public Affairs
This board manages village-owned utilities such as water and sewer systems. Members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by council. ORC 735.28 through ORC 735.29
Other Appointed Officers
Villages may appoint a Street Commissioner, Marshal or Police Chief, and Fire Chief as needed.
Planning Commission
The planning commission is an advisory body for zoning and land use matters. ORC 713.01
Municipal Records Commission
Every municipality must maintain a records commission. The commission reviews and approves records retention schedules. ORC 149.39