In Ohio, a County Treasurer is an elected official responsible for collecting, managing, and disbursing county funds, particularly property taxes. The role is governed by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 321.01–321.47 and is essential for maintaining the county’s financial stability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of a County Treasurer’s duties:
- Tax Collection
- Collect property taxes, special assessments, and other fees owed to the county (ORC 321.10).
- Example: Process real estate tax payments from homeowners.
- Fund Management
- Safeguard county funds by depositing them in approved financial institutions (ORC 135—Uniform Depository Act).
- Invest surplus funds to earn interest, following state guidelines.
- Example: Invest in secure bonds to maximize county revenue.
- Disbursement of Funds
- Distribute tax revenues to county agencies, schools, municipalities, and townships (ORC 321.34).
- Example: Allocate funds to a local library district.
- Financial Reporting
- Maintain records of all receipts and disbursements, providing reports to county commissioners and the state auditor.
- Example: Submit a monthly report on tax collections.
- Delinquent Tax Enforcement
- Pursue unpaid taxes through notices, payment plans, or foreclosure proceedings (ORC 321.24).
- Example: Initiate a tax lien sale for delinquent properties.
- Public Assistance
- Assist taxpayers with payment plans, tax exemptions, or inquiries about bills.
- Example: Help a senior citizen apply for a homestead tax reduction.
- Compliance and Audits
- Ensure compliance with state financial laws, cooperating with the Ohio Auditor of State during audits (ORC 117.38).
- Example: Provide records for a state audit of county funds.
County Treasurers in Ohio serve 4-year terms and are elected in even-numbered presidential election years (e.g., 2024, 2028). The role is full-time in larger counties and part-time in smaller ones. Financial experience is valued, but no specific education is required by state law.
How to Run for County Treasurer in Ohio: Requirements and Steps
County Treasurer elections occur in even-numbered presidential years, aligned with federal and state cycles, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Below is a guide tailored to a November 7, 2028, election (the next presidential year after 2024), 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 321.01).
- Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the county.
- No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold conflicting public offices (e.g., county auditor) per ORC 321.02.
- Qualifications: No formal education required, but financial or accounting experience is expected. Some counties value banking or treasury backgrounds.
Steps to Run for Office
- Research Local Rules
- Confirm the 2028 election cycle for your county’s treasurer seat.
- Check signature requirements (based on county population) 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 treasurer 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., “efficient tax collection” or “help for taxpayers”).
- Engage voters via county fairs, community meetings, or ads—focus on trust and fiscal responsibility.
- 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, confirm 2028 cycle.
- 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 Treasurer Candidates
- Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and rules.
- County Boards of Elections: Filing and signature details.
- Ohio Auditor of State: Financial role context.
- Ohio County Treasurers’ Association: Role insights.
County Treasurer races are partisan, emphasizing financial stewardship.