When counties in Ohio look for ways to become efficient, some consider county charter governments. Under the Ohio Constitution, counties can set up a charter government, giving them “home rule” authority. This allows them to design a government and adopt legislation more in line with the unique needs of the community.

Both Cuyahoga and Summit counties have a charter form of government, which distributes power differently than the three-commissioner system found in the rest of Ohio’s counties. They both have 11-member county councils and have consolidated some of the duties of typically elected county officials. For example in Summit County, administrative control is given to the county executive, and legislative control to the county council.

“Ohio Farm Bureau is not against county charter governments. However, some of the recent charter proposals over the last couple of years have had an agenda. They’ve been more focused on restricting or controlling business activities like oil and natural gas development than creating a more efficient government. The concern is that a similar approach could be taken for trying to regulate agriculture,” said Leah Curtis, OFBF’s policy counsel.

As county charter proposals arise, Ohio Farm Bureau has been working with county leaders to understand what’s driving the proposals and how they could potentially impact agriculture. County Farm Bureau leaders are encouraged to learn more about these initiatives and make Farm Bureau aware of proposals as they come up in their communities to ensure they understand any possible negative impacts on agriculture.

Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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