In Ohio, a County Engineer is an elected official responsible for overseeing the maintenance, construction, and planning of county infrastructure, primarily roads, bridges, and drainage systems in unincorporated areas. The role is governed by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 315.01–315.19 and requires technical expertise. Here’s a detailed breakdown of a County Engineer’s duties:
- Road and Bridge Maintenance
- Maintain and repair county roads and bridges outside city/village limits (ORC 315.08).
- Example: Resurface a rural county road or inspect a bridge for safety.
- Infrastructure Planning and Construction
- Plan, design, and oversee construction of new roads, bridges, or culverts.
- Coordinate with state and federal agencies for funding or standards.
- Example: Design a new bridge to replace an outdated one.
- Surveying and Mapping
- Conduct surveys for county projects and maintain property boundary records.
- Serve as the county’s official surveyor (ORC 315.14).
- Example: Survey land for a road expansion project.
- Drainage and Flood Control
- Manage ditches, culverts, and drainage systems to prevent flooding.
- Example: Clear a blocked ditch to protect farmland from water damage.
- Budget and Staff Management
- Prepare and manage the engineer’s office budget, including equipment and personnel.
- Hire and supervise engineers, technicians, and maintenance crews.
- Example: Allocate funds for new snowplows.
- Permitting and Regulation
- Issue permits for roadwork, utility installations, or driveway connections.
- Enforce weight limits or road restrictions.
- Example: Approve a utility company’s request to install cables along a county road.
- Public and Intergovernmental Coordination
- Address resident concerns about infrastructure (e.g., potholes, road closures).
- Collaborate with townships, municipalities, or the Ohio Department of Transportation.
- Example: Work with a township on a joint road paving project.
County Engineers in Ohio serve 4-year terms and are elected in even-numbered presidential election years (e.g., 2024, 2028). The role is typically full-time, requiring engineering expertise.
How to Run for County Engineer in Ohio: Requirements and Steps
County Engineer elections occur in even-numbered presidential years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Below is a guide tailored to a November 7, 2028, election, with a 4-year term starting January 1, 2029. Confirm details with your county board of elections, as signature requirements vary by county population.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1).
- Residency: Live in the county for at least 30 days before the election (ORC 315.01).
- Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the county.
- No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold conflicting public offices (ORC 315.02).
- Qualifications (ORC 315.02):
- Must be a licensed professional engineer (PE) in Ohio, registered with the Ohio Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors.
- Must be a licensed professional surveyor (PS) in Ohio, or able to obtain licensure before taking office.
Steps to Run for Office
- Research Local Rules
- Confirm the 2028 election cycle for your county’s engineer seat.
- Check signature requirements and the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide.
- Contact your county board of elections (e.g., Franklin County for Columbus).
- Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
- Timeline: Start in 2027 (e.g., April–June) for 2028.
- Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
- File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-A for partisan races, as engineer races are partisan) with your county board.
- Choose a party (Republican, Democratic, etc.) or run as an independent (Form 3-I).
- Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
- Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
- Deadline: Partisan candidates file by 4 p.m., 90 days before the primary (e.g., February 6, 2028, for May 7, 2028, primary). Independents file by 4 p.m. the day before the primary (e.g., May 6, 2028).
- Collect Signatures
- Gather signatures from registered county voters:
- Partisan: 50 valid signatures for major parties (ORC 3513.05); larger counties may require 100–200 (e.g., Cuyahoga County).
- Independent: 1% of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election in the county, or 25–500 based on county size.
- Use Form 3-A (partisan) or 3-I (independent).
- Deadline: February 6, 2028 (partisan); May 6, 2028 (independent). Collect extra signatures for safety.
- Gather signatures from registered county voters:
- Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
- Fees ~$50–$100 for partisan candidates, waiveable with signatures in some counties.
- Deadline: Same as petition filing (February 6, 2028, for partisan).
- Campaign Finance Registration
- Register with your county board if raising/spending funds.
- File reports per ORC 3517.10 (e.g., pre-primary, pre-general).
- Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
- Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., summer 2027); pre-primary report due ~April 8, 2028.
- Primary Election
- Partisan candidates compete to win their party’s nomination.
- Date: May 7, 2028 (first Tuesday after first Monday).
- Independents skip this step.
- Campaigning
- Build a platform (e.g., “safer roads” or “modern infrastructure”).
- Engage voters via community meetings, engineering groups, or ads—focus on technical expertise and reliability.
- Follow local sign rules.
- Timeline: Start post-primary (June 2028), peak in fall (September–October 2028).
- General Election
- Appear on the ballot countywide (partisan or independent).
- Date: November 7, 2028.
- Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
- Post-Election
- If elected, take office (typically January 1, 2029).
- File final finance reports.
- Deadline: 30–60 days post-election (e.g., December 2028–January 2029).
Hypothetical 2028 Timeline (November 7 Election)
- April–June 2027: Research eligibility, verify PE/PS licenses.
- July–December 2027: Plan platform, collect signatures.
- January 2028: Finalize signatures.
- February 6, 2028: File partisan petitions by 4 p.m.
- April 8, 2028: File pre-primary finance report.
- May 6, 2028: Independent petitions due.
- May 7, 2028: Primary election.
- June–October 2028: Campaign; file pre-general report (~October 5).
- November 7, 2028: Election Day.
- January 1, 2029: Take office.
Ohio-Specific Resources for County Engineer Candidates
- Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and rules.
- County Boards of Elections: Filing and signature details.
- Ohio County Engineers Association: Role insights and training.
- Ohio Board of Professional Engineers and Surveyors: Licensing verification.
County Engineer races are partisan, requiring engineering and surveying expertise.