❌ HB412
Allow village to contract with county prosecutor
Current Status: In House Committee (Local Government)
Summary
The bill allows a village in Ohio to contract with the county prosecutor for legal services, amending existing sections of the Revised Code. It specifies that the contract may include compensation terms and applies to legal counsel for the village or its departments. The bill also outlines the process for a village to appoint legal counsel through a mayoral appointment, subject to legislative authority approval.
Rationale
The bill introduces a mechanism for villages to engage legal services from county prosecutors, which may increase government involvement in legal matters. This aligns with some aspects of the LPO's platform regarding local governance but raises concerns for the LP regarding government overreach and potential cronyism.
Risks and Concerns
- Increased government control over legal services
- Potential for cronyism in contracting processes
- Limited competition for legal services