Run for City Auditor

What a City Auditor Does in Ohio

In Ohio, a city auditor (sometimes called a fiscal officer or finance director in smaller municipalities) is an elected official responsible for managing the city’s financial records and ensuring fiscal accountability. The role is defined under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 733.11–733.20 and varies slightly depending on the city’s charter and size. Here’s a detailed breakdown of a city auditor’s duties in Ohio:

1. Financial Recordkeeping
   
   • Maintain accurate records of all city revenues, expenditures, and accounts (ORC 733.11).
   • Example: Track property tax collections or utility payments.
2. Budget Preparation and Oversight
   
   • Assist in preparing the annual city budget, often in collaboration with the mayor and council.
   • Certify the availability of funds before expenditures are approved (ORC 733.15).
3. Auditing and Reporting
   
   • Prepare financial statements and reports for the council and public.
   • Submit annual reports to the Ohio Auditor of State for review (ORC 117.38).
   • Example: Ensure transparency on how tax dollars are spent.
4. Payment Authorization
   
   • Issue warrants or checks for approved city payments (e.g., payroll, vendor contracts) per ORC 733.16.
   • Verify that spending aligns with the budget and legal requirements.
5. Tax and Revenue Management
   
   • Oversee collection of local taxes, fees, or fines (in coordination with other departments).
   • Example: Monitor income tax revenue in cities with a municipal tax.
6. Compliance and Accountability
   
   • Ensure the city complies with state financial laws and regulations.
   • Work with the Ohio Auditor of State during external audits to address discrepancies.
7. Advisory Role
   
   • Advise the mayor and council on fiscal health and potential financial risks.
   • Example: Warn against overspending on a new project.

In Ohio, city auditors typically serve 4-year terms (e.g., Columbus, Cincinnati), though some smaller cities may have 2-year terms. The role is full-time in larger cities and part-time or combined with other duties in smaller towns. It requires a detail-oriented mindset and often some financial expertise, though no formal credentials are mandated by state law unless specified in a city charter.

How to Run for City Auditor in Ohio: Requirements and Steps

Running for city auditor in Ohio follows a process similar to other municipal offices, with eligibility and filing governed by state law and local charters. Below is a tailored guide, assuming a November 4, 2025, election (common for Ohio cities in odd years). Confirm details with your county board of elections or city clerk.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1). Some cities may require 21—check your charter.
• Residency: Live in the city for a set period (e.g., 1 year before filing or taking office—Columbus Charter, Section 9).
• Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the city.
• No Conflicts: No felony convictions or city employment conflicting with duties (ORC 733.11).
• Qualifications: No specific education required by state law, but some charters (e.g., Cincinnati) may prefer accounting or finance experience.

Steps to Run for Office

1. Research Local Rules
   
   • Check your city’s charter (via the clerk or online) and the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide.
   • Contact your county board of elections (e.g., Hamilton County for Cincinnati).
   • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
   • Timeline: Begin now (April 9, 2025) to prepare.
2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
   
   • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-O for nonpartisan races) with your county board of elections.
   • Appoint a treasurer and open a campaign bank account.
   • Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
   • Deadline: 90 days before the election, by 4 p.m. (e.g., August 6, 2025, for November 4, 2025). Verify locally.
3. Collect Signatures
   
   • Gather signatures from registered city voters. Number varies:
     
     • Small cities: 25–50 signatures.
     • Larger cities: 50–200 (e.g., Columbus requires 50 per Charter, Section 41).
   • Use Form 3-O or a city-specific form.
   • Deadline: File by August 6, 2025. Collect extra signatures as a precaution.
4. Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
   
   • Fees range from $25–$100, often waiveable with enough signatures.
   • Deadline: Same as petition filing (August 6, 2025).
5. Campaign Finance Registration
   
   • Register with your county board if raising/spending money.
   • File reports per ORC 3517.10 (e.g., pre- and post-election).
   • Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
   • Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., June 2025); first report due ~October 6, 2025.
6. Campaigning
   
   • Build a platform (e.g., “transparent finances” or “efficient budgeting”).
   • Engage voters through forums, mailers, or social media—less public fanfare than mayoral races, but trust is key.
   • Follow local sign regulations.
   • Timeline: Start after filing (July 2025), intensify in fall (September–October 2025).
7. Primary Election (If Applicable)
   
   • Some cities hold primaries if multiple candidates file (e.g., Columbus).
   • Date: Often May or August (e.g., August 5, 2025—check your city). Smaller towns typically skip this.
8. General Election
   
   • Appear on the ballot citywide.
   • Date: November 4, 2025 (first Tuesday after first Monday in odd years).
   • Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
9. Post-Election
   
   • If elected, take office (often January 1, 2026).
   • File final finance reports.
   • Deadline: 30–60 days post-election (e.g., December 2025–January 2026).

Hypothetical 2025 Timeline (November 4 Election)

• April–May 2025: Confirm eligibility, obtain forms.
• June–July 2025: Collect signatures (due August 6).
• August 6, 2025: File by 4 p.m.
• August 2025: Primary (if needed).
• September–October 2025: Campaign; file reports (e.g., October 6).
• November 4, 2025: Election Day.
• January 1, 2026: Take office.

Ohio-Specific Resources for City Auditor Candidates

• Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and info.
  
  • www.ohiosos.gov/elections/
• County Boards of Elections: Local filing details.
  
  • SOS County Directory
• Ohio Auditor of State: Guidance on fiscal duties and compliance.
  
  • www.ohioauditor.gov/
• Ohio Municipal League: Municipal governance support.
  
  • www.omlohio.org/

City auditor races in Ohio are nonpartisan and focus on competence over charisma. Since it’s April 9, 2025, you’re well-positioned to start for 2025 elections. Specify your city for a more detailed breakdown!