State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 347, a cost-saving measure which gives statutory non-chartered villages the option to reduce their current number of council members from six members to five. It also includes a provision that provides flexibility to create concurrent, rather than staggered terms for the councils’ elected members.

Sponsored by Representative Anielski, the bill authorizes the legislative authority to reduce its membership by a vote of the legislative authority or by petition. Currently, these authorities are composed of six members with staggered terms who have no ability to alter the composition if needed.

“This is a bill that simply offers another option and more flexibility to local governments,” Representative Anielski said. “It is one more tool that they can utilize amidst tight budgeting periods, and I’m pleased that it passed the House with unanimous, bipartisan support.”

The bill creates a process for eliminating staggered terms of office and reduction of legislative members, pending the adoption of a resolution or ordinance from the legislative authority. House Bill 347 will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.