State Representative Richard Adams (R-Troy) today announced that House Bill 302, which will eliminate the need for a new department in Miami County by consolidating the current Clerk of Courts of Miami County and the new Clerk of the Miami County Municipal Court, unanimously passed from the Ohio House of Representatives.

“I was pleased to introduce H.B. 302, which upon becoming law will continue the efforts of Miami County government to operate effectively and economically,” Rep. Adams said. “By not expanding county government as a result of the recent census, taxpayers will save $600,000 during the next six years!”

The legislation was in response to the 2010 census results showing the territory’s population at 102,506 (which includes Miami County and a portion of Darke County). According to the Ohio Revised Code, if a territory equals or exceeds 100,000, the voters of the territory must elect a clerk of courts for a six-year term.

House Bill 302 contains an emergency clause so it will take effective immediately once signed into law. Without the emergency clause, Miami County would be required by law to elect a municipal clerk, which could result in the taxpayers of Miami County spending $600,000 over a six-year period in salary and benefits.

In the House Judiciary and Ethics Committee, Miami County Municipal Judge Elizabeth Gutmann and Miami County Commissioner John O’Brien presented proponent testimony in support of House Bill 302.

The legislation will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.