VOTE411 Voter Guide

A councilperson is a member of the legislative authority for the Village of Dalton.  A councilperson s responsibilities are primarily legislative, and their specific duties include policy-making, financial oversight, and passing ordinances. Much of their work is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code and further defined by local village policies.Key duties and responsibilities:Create and amend village laws: Council members pass and amend ordinances and resolutions to address matters concerning public peace, health, welfare, and safety. This covers services, zoning, and codified laws.Oversee the village budget: A critical responsibility is to exercise budgetary control, make appropriations, and adopt an annual budget to manage the village s finances.Provide village services: The council authorizes and oversees services for residents, including public improvements, parks, and utilities.Approve appointments: The council confirms mayoral appointments for village officials and employees.Manage the legislative body: As part of the six-member council, members also elect a President Pro Tempore from their own ranks to serve for a year.Sit on committees: Councilpersons research and evaluate issues by serving on committees. These committees then make recommendations to the full council.Participate in public meetings: Council members attend regular public meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month in Dalton, to conduct official business.Address constituent needs: They also represent the interests of their community by responding to residents concerns and needs.Rules and limitations:Residency requirements: A Dalton Village councilperson must have resided in the village for at least one year before their election and must be a village elector.Conflict of interest: Council members cannot hold any other public office or employment within the village. They also cannot have an interest in any contract with the village.Non-administrative role: A councilperson s powers are strictly legislative. They do not have administrative or operational duties and cannot issue direct orders to village staff.