Ohio § 703.331
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 703.331, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 703.331.
(A) Not later than the last day of the year that is immediately after the year the results
of a federal decennial census are released, the county auditor, county treasurer,
and one member of the board of county commissioners selected by the board of county
commissioners, jointly shall evaluate each village located within the county to determine
if, over the approximate ten year period beginning the day the results of the preceding
federal decennial census were released and ending the day the most recent federal
decennial census results were released, both of the following are true: (1) The village itself provided, the village contracted with a private nongovernmental
entity to provide, or the village contracted with a regional council of governments
as defined in section 167.01 of the Revised Code that includes three or more political subdivisions at least two of which are municipal
corporations to provide, at least five of the following services: (a) Police protection; (b) Fire-fighting services; (c) Garbage collection; (d) Water service; (e) Sewer service; (f) Emergency medical services; (g) Road maintenance; (h) Park services or other recreation services; (i) Human services; (j) A public library established and operated solely by the village; (k) Electric service. (2) At each election at which an elected village position was voted upon, at least one
candidate appeared on the ballot for each elected village position. If a village is located in more than one county, the village shall be evaluated only
by the county officials of the county wherein the largest portion of the population
of the village resides. (B) Before beginning the evaluation, the county officials shall request, in writing,
information from each village to assist the officials in making their determination. The request shall indicate the applicable evaluation period. Each village shall submit the information, in the manner requested by the county
officials, not later than thirty days after receiving the request. The village shall include information about the services provided over the evaluation
period, the manner by which such services were provided, a copy of the final appropriation
budget or budgets applicable to the evaluation period, information on candidates on
the ballot for village elected offices during the evaluation period, any documentation
regarding the matters in division (A) of this section during the evaluation period,
and any other information specifically requested by the county officials. After receiving the information, if necessary, the county officials may request
additional information, which the village shall provide not later than ten days after
receiving the request. The county officials shall base their finding on the information provided from the
village. (C) The county officials shall notify the legislative authority of the village of the
county officials' finding not later than the last day of the year that is immediately
after the year the results of a federal decennial census are released. (D) If the county officials find a village failed to provide services or field candidates
as specified in division (A) of this section, the county officials shall file the
finding with the board of elections of the county in which the largest portion of
the population of the village resides. The board of elections shall submit the question “Shall the village of __________ surrender its corporate powers?” for the approval or rejection of the electors of
the village at the next general election, in any year, occurring after the period
ending ninety days after the filing of the finding with the board. If the result of the election is in favor of the surrender, the board of elections
shall certify the results to the secretary of state, the auditor of state, and the
county recorder, who shall record it in their respective offices. (E) The procedure in this section is in addition to the procedure under section 703.33 of the Revised Code for the dissolution of a village.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 703.331
What does Ohio Revised Code § 703.331 cover?
Section 703.331 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Ohio § 703.331?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 703.331" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Ohio law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
How does Ohio § 703.331 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.