Cirino Bill to Secure Local Budgetary Security Sent to Governor

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Senate and House passed Senate Bill 91 on Thursday, containing legislation sponsored by Senator Jerry C. Cirino (R-Kirtland) to guarantee that a local city council can maintain control over its budget and protect its appropriation power.

“This provision simply protects the budgeting powers of municipalities across Ohio by reinforcing their statutory authority to make financial decisions," said Cirino. "Council members are the duly elected representatives of their city. It is their duty and responsibility under the law to appropriate city funds to care for the safety and security of their fellow residents.”

Cirino says the legislation is essential to safeguard the budgeting authority of city councils and cities' financial stability. For instance, the City of Cleveland recently faced an initiative to allocate 2% of its budget to be spent by an unelected, unaccountable board. Fortunately, the people of Cleveland rejected the proposal, but this legislation ensures no Ohio city will face the prospect of losing control over a significant portion of its budget.

Ohio law requires appropriation decisions be made by a municipal corporation’s legislative authority. This legislation strengthens the law, ensuring that the statutory budgeting authority of these governing bodies cannot be circumvented. This bill will ensure the lawful fiscal authority of elected city councils.

Senate Bill 91 now heads to Governor DeWine to sign into law.