What a City Treasurer Does in Ohio
In Ohio, a city treasurer is an elected official responsible for managing the receipt, safekeeping, and disbursement of municipal funds. The role is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 733.42–733.47 and varies depending on whether the city operates under a statutory form of government or a charter (e.g., Columbus has no elected treasurer—duties merge with the auditor). Here’s a detailed breakdown of a city treasurer’s duties in Ohio cities where the position is elected:
- Receipt of Funds
- Collect and record all money due to the city, such as taxes, fees, fines, or grants (ORC 733.43).
- Example: Process property tax payments or utility bill revenues.
- Safekeeping of Funds
- Deposit city money into designated banks or financial institutions.
- Ensure funds are secure and invested wisely per state law (ORC 135—Uniform Depository Act).
- Disbursement of Funds
- Pay out money on warrants or orders signed by the city auditor (ORC 733.46).
- Example: Issue checks for employee salaries or vendor contracts.
- Financial Reporting
- Maintain records of all transactions and provide regular reports to the council or mayor.
- Submit annual statements to the Ohio Auditor of State (ORC 117.38).
- Collaboration with City Auditor
- Work closely with the auditor to ensure funds are available and properly accounted for before payments.
- Example: Verify budget compliance for a new park project.
- Compliance with State Law
- Follow Ohio’s public finance regulations, including audits by the state auditor.
- Ensure transparency and prevent mismanagement.
- Public Accountability
- Respond to inquiries from residents or council about city funds.
- Example: Explain a surplus or deficit at a public meeting.
In Ohio, city treasurers typically serve 4-year terms in cities where the role is elected (e.g., Toledo, Akron). It’s a full-time position in larger cities but may be part-time or combined with other duties in smaller municipalities. Many charter cities (e.g., Columbus, Cincinnati) appoint treasurers or fold the role into the auditor’s office, so its elected status depends on local rules.
How to Run for City Treasurer in Ohio: Requirements and Steps
Running for city treasurer in Ohio follows a process similar to other municipal offices, governed by state election laws and local charters. Below is a tailored guide, assuming a November 4, 2025, election (common for Ohio cities in odd years). Confirm specifics with your county board of elections or city clerk, especially if your city elects this position.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1). Some charters may require 21—check locally.
- Residency: Live in the city for a set period (e.g., 1 year before filing or taking office—Toledo Charter, Section 9).
- Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the city.
- No Conflicts: No felony convictions or city employment conflicting with duties (ORC 733.42).
- Qualifications: No formal education required by state law, but financial experience is often expected (some charters may specify).
Steps to Run for Office
- Research Local Rules
- Confirm if your city elects a treasurer (e.g., Toledo does; Columbus doesn’t—check your charter).
- Review the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide and contact your county board of elections.
- Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
- Timeline: Start now (April 9, 2025) to prepare.
- 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 (for your campaign) 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.
- Collect Signatures
- Gather signatures from registered city voters. Number varies:
- Small cities: 25–50 signatures.
- Larger cities: 50–200 (e.g., Toledo requires 50 per Charter).
- Use Form 3-O or a city-specific form.
- Deadline: File by August 6, 2025. Collect extra signatures for safety.
- Gather signatures from registered city voters. Number varies:
- Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
- Fees range from $25–$100, often waiveable with enough signatures.
- Deadline: Same as petition filing (August 6, 2025).
- 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.
- Campaigning
- Build a platform (e.g., “safeguard taxpayer money” or “improve financial efficiency”).
- Reach voters via community events, flyers, or social media—focus on trust and competence.
- Follow local sign rules.
- Timeline: Start after filing (July 2025), peak in fall (September–October 2025).
- Primary Election (If Applicable)
- Some cities (e.g., Akron) hold primaries if multiple candidates file.
- Date: Often May or August (e.g., August 5, 2025—check your city). Smaller towns usually skip this.
- General Election
- Appear on the ballot citywide.
- Date: November 4, 2025 (first Tuesday after first Monday in odd years).
- Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
- 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, get 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 Treasurer Candidates
- Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and info.
- County Boards of Elections: Local filing details.
- Ohio Auditor of State: Guidance on public finance roles.
- Ohio Municipal League: Municipal office insights.