Opinions > 2026 Opinions
Requested by: Trumbull County Prosecuting Attorney
R.C. 121.221 permits the board of directors and the solid-waste management policy committee of a joint solid-waste district to conduct their meetings or hearings virtually, except when the meetings or hearings involve a vote to approve a major nonroutine expenditure, a significant hiring decision, or a purpose to propose, approve, or vote on a tax issue or increase.
Requested by: Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney
A municipality may, pursuant to its home-rule authority, contribute revenue from its income tax to a county to further economic development, provided the municipality’s legislative authority determines that the expenditure serves a public municipal purpose, the income tax was enacted for the general benefit of the municipality, and the expenditure aligns with such purpose. A county may receive such funds under R.C. 9.20 subject to compliance with all statutory requirements.
Requested by: Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney
County investment policies must “ensure the best and safest return.” R.C. 135.341(C). Investment decisions may not have a primary purpose of influencing any environmental, social, personal, or ideological policy. R.C. 135.35(O). These requirements govern decisions whether to divest from the sovereign debt of a foreign nation otherwise eligible for investment. R.C. 135.35(A)(10). County commissioners lack authority to remove investment authority from a county treasurer who declines to follow an ultra vires investment policy.
Requested by: Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney
A township may not use revenue from the motor fuel excise tax to fund any portion of the purchase of a fire tanker truck for its fire department.
Requested by: Wyandot County Prosecuting Attorney
Generally, a person may not serve simultaneously as a juvenile court probation officer and as a member of a school district board of education located within the same county.
Requested by: Lake County Prosecuting Attorney
Revenue from a special tax levy designated for the “benefit of Lake County for the purpose of providing funds for police equipment and personnel for the Lake County Narcotics Agency” may continue to be used for that purpose notwithstanding that the agency may become a division within the county sheriff’s office for governance purposes.