Community Overview and Profile

Washington Township (which includes the City of Centerville) offers residents a quality of life that is second to none. Strong community identification, a full range of local facilities, and accessibility from I-675 and I-75 have contributed to the area's fastest growth in the Dayton-Cincinnati region. In the midst of continued growth, progressive leadership and planning have resulted in safe, controlled development. The well-balanced mix of residential developments includes single family, condominium, and apartment dwellings in a range of architectural styles and prices, interspersed with planned green space to heighten the area's spacious, open feeling. The area also features a strong, upscale business base, plentiful and convenient shopping, and many choices for dining and entertainment.

Washington Township Government Center
8200 McEwen Road, Dayton, Ohio 45458
(937) 433-0152  voice
(937) 438-2752  FAX
general@washingtontwp.org

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What is a Township?

In Ohio, public services are divided up between state, municipal, county, and township governments. Your local township government deals with concerns regarding the upkeep of public roads, police protection, fire protection, maintenance of parks, cemeteries, and some recreational facilities, zoning restrictions, and waste disposal. These functions were primarily defined by state legislature, and carried out by elected officials; today, demands for increased or different services have prompted the state legislature to grant Ohio's 1311 townships the authority to fulfill these changing demands.

Three trustees and a fiscal officer, each elected for a four-year term, administer each township today. Officially they fill their offices on a part-time basis, but they are always ready to meet their responsibilities and put in many hours of work to serve their constituents. And their intimate knowledge of the community, its needs and its citizens makes them able to offer more personal service than any other unit of government.

Local History

Compiled from A Sense of Place by The Centerville-Washington Township Historical Society

Washington Township was first surveyed in 1796 by Revolutionary War veterans and brothers-in-law Aaron Nutt, Benjamin Robbins, and Benjamin Archer. At the time, the area was heavily forested with Oak, Hickory, Beech, Ash, Elm, Walnut, Dogwood, and Poplar trees. Black bear, deer, elk and wolves roamed freely. Occasional groups of Indians were seen. It was described by pioneers as an amazingly fertile land with fine springs and a system of creeks that provided an adequate supply of fresh water.

In the early 1800s, another Revolutionary War veteran, Dr. John Hole, moved to the area and opened the first two sawmills. Dr. Hole was the first doctor in Montgomery County, and his practice took him as far as Springfield, Xenia and Hamilton. He was present at the battles of Bunker Hill, Quebec, and Montmorency, and was in attendance when General Richard Montgomery died of wounds suffered in battle. It is claimed Dr. Hole suggested the name Montgomery be used for the county.

Washington Township remained a quiet, rural community until the mid-20th century. Since then, the township has grown substantially to over 25,000 people in the unincorporated area, and another 21,000 in the incorporated area (City of Centerville). 1996 marked the bicentennial celebration of the Township's founding and continued growth. In July 2009, the Washington Township Hall celebrates its centennial.

Geography

Washington Township is 84 degrees 9 minutes west longitude and 39 degrees 38 minutes north latitude. The intersection of Main and Franklin Streets is approximately 1020 feet above sea level.

Limited Self Government

What is it?

Limited Self-Government, sometimes referred to as "home rule," is an improved form of township government which gives trustees the ability to adopt legislation that addresses local problems.

Without Limited Self-Government, a township's authority is limited to those powers specifically granted by the state. A Limited Self-Government township may enact its own resolutions, similar to city ordinances, provided they do not conflict with state laws or a list of specified exceptions.

Limited Self-Government has been available as an option for Ohio townships since June 18, 1991 when Substitute House Bill 77 was signed into law. It combines some of the positive aspects of both township and city forms of government. Under Limited Self-Government, for instance, a township can continue to benefit from services such as county building inspection and road maintenance, as well as state highway maintenance. However, Limited Self-Governments also enjoy the greater independence and self determination that previously was granted only to cities.

Why do it?

Township government has many strengths: It is a simple, grass roots form of government that relies only on property tax and which allows voters to exercise considerable control over expenditures through tax levies. However, when township government was created in 1785, it was based on the needs of a primarily rural citizenry. Limited Self-Government is an updated form of township government that better serves modern, urban communities.

The Township's Future Government Task Force, a group of citizens charged with recommending a future course for Washington Township Government, has noted three primary advantages to Limited Self-Government:

• Trustees would be able to pass local laws to deal with certain local problems which they currently are unable to resolve because they lack legislative authority.

• The Township could more effectively address the problems posed by urbanization.

• The Township could have more authority to deal with annexation concerns.

Who approved it?

You did! Voters decide if Limited Self-Government is their preferred form of government. The process begins when Township Trustees vote on whether to place the issue before voters. According to state law, the issue must be placed on a November ballot.

What does it cost?

The cost is very small. Ohio law requires that Limited Self-Government townships hire a full- or part-time law director. This person may work in-house or be paid by a contractual arrangement. Washington Township already contracts for legal services, so any increase in legal costs are minimal.

Is there an increase in taxes?

No. Limited Self-Government does not extend any taxing authority to townships beyond what they already possess. This means Washington Township does not have the authority to enact an income tax. The Township continues to be required to return to voters every time renewed or additional property taxes are needed.

Is it more bureaucratic?

Limited Self Government does not add any layers of bureaucracy. Nor does it alter the structure of township government. The township continues to operate as an efficient, grass roots government that involves citizens in decision making and provides ready access to elected officials.

For More Information About Limited Self Government, Contact Washington Township Administrator Jesse Lightle.