What does a Township Trustee do?

In Ohio, a township trustee is an elected official who serves on the township's board, acting as the legislative body responsible for governing the township's affairs, including maintaining roads, providing fire and police services, overseeing zoning, and managing parks and cemeteries. The trustees have legislative authority granted by the state to set local policies, manage township assets and budgets, and appoint administrators to execute daily operations. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Legislative Authority: The board of trustees makes policies and ordinances for the township. 

• Public Services: They oversee maintenance of township roads, police, fire protection, emergency medical services, parks, cemeteries, and waste disposal. 

• Zoning: Trustees establish and administer zoning rules for the community with the support of the Zoning Commission and a Zoning Inspector. 

• Budgeting: The board is responsible for adopting the annual budget and managing the township's finances. 

• Asset Management: They act as legal owners of township assets, manage them, and can sell or dispose of unneeded property.