The bill introduced by Senator Cutrona seeks to amend the Revised Code to establish a framework for withholding local government funds and state water and sewer assistance from municipal corporations that do not comply with regulations regarding extraterritorial water and sewer services. It introduces a declaratory judgment process that allows townships or municipal corporations to declare another municipal corporation as noncompliant if it imposes higher rates for services to properties outside its jurisdiction or requires direct payments for service. Upon a declaration of noncompliance, state agencies are mandated to withhold financial assistance, except for federally mandated funds, and the bill outlines the criteria for determining noncompliance and the legal procedures for affected subdivisions to seek redress.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for eligible taxing districts that experience significant decreases in taxable values of power plants, establishes a local government fund adjustment based on traffic camera fines, and creates the Ohio highway and transportation safety fund. It modifies the process for estimating and certifying local government fund allocations, ensuring that payments to municipal corporations resume only after compliance is achieved. The bill also allows for an alternative method of apportionment of the undivided local government fund, requiring approval from various local authorities and mandating annual reviews of the apportionment method. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance compliance, ensure equitable distribution of funds, and streamline the management of local government resources.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5747.50, 5747.502, 5747.51, 5747.53