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Trustee finds many new residents out of touch
(by Joan Demirjian - November 18, 2009)
Trustee finds many new residents out of touch
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
When Russell Trustee James Dickinson went door to door during the campaign for his recent re-election, he saw a need for educating citizens about what township government is all about.
Many are unaware of the limits of township government, Mr. Dickinson said. "We're close to the suburbs, and when people move out to Russell, they are unfamiliar with the different form of government."
Many are moving in from cities and villages, where they have paid water and sewer bills, he said. Newer residents ask where they pay those bills. One resident asked how to get in touch with Russell's water administrator, he said.
Most of Russell Township, like most of Geauga County, is on septic systems and well water, not central water and sewer systems.
"That's why we have seminars on septic and water systems," Mr. Dickinson said. The sessions are a means of acquainting residents, especially new ones, about the systems, he said.
"I have received calls asking when the leaves are going to be picked up," Mr. Dickinson said.
Unlike cities and villages, such as Chagrin Falls, the township does not have those types of services, and people often are annoyed because it doesn't, he said.
"I think it's important residents understand the limits of the townships," Mr. Dickinson said. Township government is the oldest form of government in the state, he said. "It was designed for rural areas."
The township provides the basics and necessities, he said, including road, fire, policy and cemetery services.
Townships cannot initiate income taxes, as do cities and villages. Townships can do only what is expressly set forth and authorized in the Ohio Revised Code, Mr. Dickinson said.
Fiscal Officer Geri Heck also said the township administration office receives calls and questions about services.
Some do not understand how limited townships are. "Very often, people call looking for the water or sewer department. That is all under the control of the county.
"Everything the township does is what the state says it can do," Ms. Heck said. "We have no control over noise.
"We don't pay for engineering services or legal counsel," she said. It is provided through the county.
Mr. Dickinson said oddly enough, trustees can resolve fence-line disputes when the fences are along property lines.
In talking to Claridon Trustee Mary Briggs, at a Geauga County Township Association meeting last week, she related an incident the trustees are dealing with in Munson.
The Ohio Revised Code gives authority to trustees to resolve such disputes, reflecting townships' rural heritage. The trustees' decision is binding.
Some townships are adopting the new "general welfare" provision that will give them some more authority, such as in aesthetics, Ms. Briggs said.
The first day in February every year is Ohio Township Day. Ohio Township Association puts out a brochure on townships.
Mr. Dickinson said that would be a good time to raise awareness, and he has talked to Geauga County Township Association members, encouraging a promotion in schools and elsewhere to educate residents about township.
The Ohio Township Association has a brochure on township government that could be used in those efforts, he said.
An open house at the Russell Township administration building would be a good idea, Mr. Dickinson said.
"I think a brochure and seminar are things that could be done," he said.
"People need to be aware of the limits of township form of government," Mr. Dickinson said.
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