Answers about City & Township Government

The City of Centerville has adopted the policy that the city and township should take steps toward merger. We will use this space to check facts, provide context to comments, and answer your questions. If you have a question that isn’t listed, you can submit it on our Financial Studies page or call the township at 433-0152.

◄ Complete Questions and Answers. Updated August 8. Check Here.

◄ Check below for answers to these specific questions.

New questions here:

Q. What does the Ohio Revised Code say about the disapproval or approval of merger?

Q. Which provides services at the lowest cost – cities or townships?

Q. If services cost more for cities, then why do cities and townships merge?

Q. Why are township services more economical?

Q. Why are road services more economical in a township?

Q. Why are the township’s police services more economical than the city’s police services?

Q. Can the township continue to depend on the county to provide police services?

Q. Mayor Kingseed says city roads are of better quality because cities are “able” to make road improvements and townships must rely on the county. Is that true?

Q. Are Trustees breaching their responsibilities and not cooperating?

Previously posted questions begin here:

Q. I’ve heard that the University of Toledo study commissioned by the city and the township has recommended merger. Is that true?

Q. I’ve heard the phrase ‘one government, one community.’ Would merger make us more of a community?

Q. Is having one government more efficient than having two? Are there economies of scale to be gained by combining jurisdictions?

Q. Did the University of Toledo study look at what happened to other communities that have merged?

Q. Why has the topic of merger been raised?

Q. Why has merger been raised at this particular time?

Q. I’ve heard the city state that Washington Township’s property tax revenue will level off within the next 10 to 15 years and that the township will then face financial challenges. Is that true?

Q. Is it easier for income tax to keep up with financial challenges?

Q. I read in the Town Crier that the property tax burden acts as a disincentive to potential businesses to locate in this community. Is that true?

Q. I read in the Town Crier that taxes impose a burden on property owners, particularly those with fixed incomes. Is that true?

Q. What happens next?

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