Youngstown Daily Legal News

Bill would officially allow townships to pay for community events

KEITH ARNOLD
Special to the Legal News
Published: March 28, 2016

Ohio townships are looking to codify the political subdivision’s ability to fund community events in township parks and recreational facilities — an activity that many administrators and trustees admittedly have undertaken for years in some instances.

House Bill 361 legally would permit boards of township trustees and park commissioners to expend general funds or park levy funds to present community events that are open to the public in the township or park facilities.

“This legislation simply codifies the practice of many townships across the state,” said Heed Fought, director of governmental affairs for the Ohio Township Association. “For example, in my personal life, I serve on the park board for Jefferson Township in Franklin County, (which) hosts a variety of community events in our parks. We hold an annual Easter egg hunt, a Halloween party, ice cream social and hog roast, as well as monthly movie nights in the summer, and a farmers market.

“All of these are billed as community events for the residents of Jefferson Township. General fund monies of Jefferson Township are used to pay for these expenses.”

Republican Rep. Andrew Breeder of Power sponsored the bill, which House Local Government Committee members considered recently before reporting the measure out of committee.

“House Bill 361 arose from concerns within Orange Township (Delaware County) and the office of the Delaware County Prosecutor,” Breeder told members during sponsor testimony. “Interpretation of Ohio law from County Prosecutor Carol O’Brien suggested that due to townships not having expressed authority to conduct community events, Orange Township was unable to host a movie night in their park with designated funds to support the event.

“With the addition of the proposed language in House Bill 361, Ohio’s townships will be able to host community events utilizing funding sources expressed within the legislation. These funding sources may include township general revenue funds, revenue derived from property taxes levied for parks and recreational purposes, as well as the treasury of the township park districts.”

Orange Township Counsel Michael McCarthy implored committee members to give Ohio townships the express authority to enhance the lives and sense of community of township residents.

“In a time when many decry what they see as an erosion in public institutions, our township parks and activities within them offer an opportunity to foster community pride, create a sense of place and bring people together,” McCarthy said. “This in turn contributes to a sense of belonging and citizenship and encourages attitudes and actions consistent with stable property values and a desirable living environment.”

He told members that he was made aware that many townships around Ohio have engaged in similar events and programs for years.

“To leave in place a situation that denies others this benefit serves no one and frustrates the desires and expectations of our residents,” McCarthy added.

Fought backed up McCarthy’s assertion and provided committee members a listing of various activities, such as a Community Day celebration in Boardman Township, Mahoning County and a township-wide garage sale in Harrison Township, Hamilton County.

“While budget cuts are still being felt across the state, many townships are finding the time and resources to host festivals and other unique community activities,” she concluded.

Six House members cosponsored the measure.

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