Jerome Township residents will vote in November as to whether the township should adopt a form of government that gives it more authority over everything from roads to police protection to water and sewer provision.
“This is one of many steps we are taking in order to respond impactfully and more swiftly to the growth Jerome Township is facing, and will continue to face for years to come,” Trustee Chair Wezlynn Davis said.
Early in May, the Board of Trustees approved a resolution that will allow voters to decide whether Jerome Township becomes a limited home rule township.
The measure will be presented to the Union County Board of Elections on June 6 for certification to be placed on the November ballot.
If approved, the township’s government would be more similar to a municipal corporation’s home rule authority, though not quite as extensive, according to a brief from the Ohio General Assembly.
Davis said officials from Jerome Township have considered adopting this form of government “for years,” noting that Trustee Megan Sloat had similar discussions with the previous board before Davis was elected.
“It’s not a new discussion,” she said.
However, Davis said the township was moved to take action recently because officials desire “more authority when it comes to tax abatements.”
“Residents are not completely satisfied… they would like to see more eyes from local elected officials (on tax incentives),” she said.
Davis said she could not broadly state how the tax incentives the township offers would change if Jerome Township adopts limited home rule, but said they would be considered individually “based on merit.”
She noted that this form of government would allow the township more “flexibility and autonomy” over economic development tools that can be used to address infrastructure needs.
“We need improvements to (U.S.) 42 and Industrial Parkway, we need improvements to Mitchell-Dewitt and Industrial Parkway, we need Warner Road and Kile Road improved, Hyland Croy is in need of critical improvements,” Davis said.
If adopted, the limited home rule form of government would give the township the authority to hire an engineer to be in charge of the construction and improvement of township roads.
Davis said “it has not been discussed at this point” if the township would pursue hiring its own engineer as opposed to working with the Union County Engineer’s Office.
The Board of Trustees would also be allowed to hire an independent professional engineer to assist Union County Engineer Jeff Stauch with the supervision of the township’s roads, although this would require Stauch’s approval.
Along with expanded authority over roads, limited home rule governments are required to provide police services to the township, which can be through establishing a police district or contracting with another political subdivision.
Jerome Township currently contracts with the Union County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement coverage by Public Safety Officers (PSOs). The contract is split 80%/20% with Millcreek Township.
While limited home rule would allow Jerome to create its own police district, Davis said the trustees intend to continue their partnership with the Sheriff’s Office.
This form of government also grants the township the authority to supply water and sewer services to users within the unincorporated area of the township.
The City of Marysville currently acts as Jerome’s water and sewer provider.
Davis said the trustees “do not have any intention” of pursuing a different path, as they are “very satisfied and grateful for” the partnership with Marysville.
The trustee chair said the board approved the resolution because they feel limited home rule would allow officials “to be more responsive, nimble and proactive for our residents.”
She said the Ohio General Assembly is continuing to expand limited home rule powers, which in turn expands the township’s “toolbox to better serve their residents.”
Davis said the board’s decision did not come down to why they should pursue this form of government.
Instead, she felt, “Why would we not?”
If voters approve the measure in November, the limited home rule form of government will become effective on Jan. 1, 2024.