VOTE411 Voter Guide

As a member of the Creston Village Council, a councilperson has legislative and policy-making responsibilities, similar to other Ohio village officials. Councilmembers work to create ordinances, manage village finances, and represent the community.Legislative and policy-making duties:Enact ordinances and resolutions: The council acts as the village s legislative authority by creating and amending local laws and policies.Set policy and goals: Council determines the village s policies and establishes both short-term and long-term goals. They oversee significant projects, infrastructure improvements, and strategic planning.Address zoning: A councilperson may serve on the Zoning/Planning Committee, which is responsible for reviewing and working with the village s zoning regulations.Create and amend codified ordinances: The council enacts and amends the village s codified ordinances to provide for municipal services.Financial responsibilities:Adopt the annual budget: Council members are responsible for approving the annual village budget, which controls spending for all village departments and services.Manage finances: A councilperson can serve on the Finance Committee, which works with the Fiscal Officer on matters related to appropriations, indebtedness, and other financial concerns.Borrow funds: Council has the authority to borrow funds to meet the village s needs.Set tax rates: The council is responsible for establishing tax levies and setting service rates for utilities, such as sewer and water.Personnel and appointment:Confirm mayoral appointments: The council confirms the mayor s appointments to various village committees and departments.Manage employment: Council establishes employment positions, sets salaries for village employees, and exercises budgetary control over departments.Interact with department leaders: As documented in past meeting minutes, council members discuss personnel matters related to department staff, such as the police and public service departments.Meetings and representation:Attend council meetings: Council members must attend regular and special council meetings to conduct village business. For Creston, this includes serving on specific committees that meet periodically to research issues and make recommendations.Represent constituents: A councilperson serves as a representative for the community and its residents. This includes meeting with constituents and business owners to discuss local issues and representing the village in meetings with higher government official.