Ohio creates Political Subdivision Consolidation Incentive Grant pilot and appropriates $25 million

Original title: Create Political Subdivision Consolidation Incentive Grant pilot

Last action · November 12, 2025: Referred to Local GovernmentSponsors: Jack Daniels and 5 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Ohio establishes a grant program administered by the Secretary of State to award funds to s that complete a , backed by a $25 million for 2026. Townships, municipal corporations, and other eligible local bodies qualify for grants calculated using population size and prior budget figures, subject to statutory caps.

Why it matters

Local governments that choose to combine operations can receive state financial support up to $2.5 million for townships and municipalities or $1 million for other subdivisions, paid on a first-come, first-served basis from a total $25 million pool.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

townships

Townships that merge with other townships or municipal corporations become eligible to apply for state consolidation grants.

Directly affected

municipal corporations

Municipal corporations that complete a merger are eligible to receive state grant funding based on population and prior budgets.

Directly affected

political subdivisions

Eligible local government bodies other than counties can qualify for financial grants upon executing a merger.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which local governments are eligible for the consolidation grants?

Townships, municipal corporations, and other s that successfully merge with one or more similar bodies on or after the effective date of the section are eligible.

How is the grant amount calculated for a merged township?

The grant is calculated by multiplying the population of the remaining merged township by 40, adding 20 percent of the lowest pre- budget amount among the combining entities, up to a maximum of $2,500,000.

Are joint districts considered a merger under this program?

No, s do not include processes where s utilize joint districts to provide services.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions

Nov 12, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to Local Government
Nov 5, 2025HouseIntroduced
Introduced

Version history

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