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League of Women Voters of Geauga
HomeGeauga Government Project

Geauga Government Project



We promote open, accountable and transparent government, and work to achieve these ideals by studying and observing government bodies in Geauga, educating the public about how their government works and facilitating productive engagement between community members.

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County Government





County government is statutory in nature, as mandated in the Ohio Constitution. 

86 of 88 Ohio counties (including Geauga) use the statutory form of county government.

Elected officials' actions are constrained by statutory language.

Executive authority is shared among elected officials.



County_Org_and_Appts_Website_-5.png



County Functions


Function

BOCC

Independent Boards & Commissions

Other Elected Officials


Economic Development

Economic Development initiatives, community development



Environmental Control


Geauga/Trumbull Solid Waste Mgt. District, Soil & Water Conservation District


General Government

Fiscal management, budgeting, purchasing, building inspections, county facilities mgt., human resources admin, Appointments

ADP Board, Planning Commission, Elections Board, Library Board

Auditor - financial accounting, payroll & reporting, revenue certifications and millage calculations; property valuations, dog licenses.

Treasurer - investment of county funds, tax collection and distribution to schools, townships, gov. Bodies.

Recorder - records deeds, plats, liens.

Health


Mental Health & Recovery Services, Developmental Disabilities, Public Health District


Judicial



Clerk of Court - court records archive, title issuance, collecting/disbursing court costs

County/Municipal Courts

Public Safety

Emergency Management; 9-1-1 service, homeland security

Public Defender, Disaster Planning

Coroner - investigation of deaths

Prosecutor - county’s criminal & civil attorney; county’s counsel to the BOCC

Sheriff - law enforcement; jail operations; court security; crime investigation; process execution

Public Works

Water and sewer districts


Engineer - construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges

Recreation

Financing and operations of stadiums

Park District


Social Services

Dept. of Aging, Job & Family Services

Veterans Services, Family First Council, Metropolitan Housing Authority







Elected County Officials

Auditor
Commissioners
Engineer
Recorder
Treasurer

Charles E. Walder

440-279-1600
Auditor's WebsiteOhio Revised Code Chapter 319

Boards & Commissions:
  • ADP Board, Chief Administrator & Secretary
  • Board of Revision
  • Budget Commission
Responsibilities:
  • Financial accounting, payroll and reporting for county; fiscal officer for county departments and agencies.
  • Processes budget submissions and calculates millage
  • Chief Assessor, establishes taxable value of all real property in the county
  • Ensures accuracy of weights and measures devices

James Dvorak
Timothy C. Lennon
Ralph Spidalieri

440-279-1660
Commissioners' Website | Ohio Revised Code Chapter 305 and 307

Boards and Commissions:
  • ADP Board
  • Board of Revision
  • Planning Commission
Responsibilities:
  • Fiscal management including taxing, budgeting, appropriations and purchasing authority. Holds title to county property.
  • Leads economic development efforts.
  • Provides facilities and human resources needed to ensure county services are provided. 
  • Provides water and sewer services and solid waste disposal
  • Appoints County Administrator, Clerk and Department Heads
  • Numerous appointment powers, including all Planning Commission members, majority of Public Library Board and majority of Mental Health & Recovery Services Board.
  
Joe Cattell
440-279-1800
Engineer's Website | Ohio Revised Code Chapter 315 

Boards & Commissions:
  • ADP Board
Responsibilities:
  • County Surveyor and Civil Engineer
  • Constructs, maintains and repairs all county bridges, roads and improvements other than buildings.
  • Works with townships in maintaining township roads
  • Records management, including surveys, cemetery records, railroad maps, roads and monuments.
 

Celesta Mullins

440-279-2020
Recorder's Website | Ohio Revised Code Chapter 317

Boards & Commissions:
  • ADP Board
Responsibilities:
  • Records deeds, mortgages, plats, liens and other written instruments.
  • Indexes documents for easy retrieval

Christopher P. Hitchcock

440-279-2000
Treasurer's Website | Ohio Revised Code Chapter 321 |

Boards & Commissions:
  • ADP Board
  • Board of Revision
  • Budget Commission
  • Investment Advisory Board
Responsibilities:
  • Collects taxes, ensures proper recording of receipts and distributes tax revenue to schools, townships and other government bodies
  • Invests and manages county's cash funds
 
Clerk of Courts
Coroner
Prosecutor
Sheriff

Sheila M. Bevington

440-279-1960
Clerk of Court's Website | Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1907.20

Boards & Commissions:
  • ADP Board
Responsibilities:
  • Maintains journals, records, books and papers for the common pleas courts and court of appeals
  • Collects court costs and associated fees
  • Issues titles for motor vehicles and watercraft
John Urbancic
440-279-2165
Coroner's Website | Ohio Revised Code Chapter 313 

Boards & Commissions:

Responsibilities:

James R. Flaiz
440-279-2100
Prosecutor's WebsiteOhio Revised Code Chapter 309

Boards & Commissions:

Responsibilities:
Scott A. Hildenbrand
440-279-2009
Sheriff's Website | Ohio Revised Code Chapter 311 

Boards & Commissions:

Responsibilities:




Appointment Power

WHO APPOINTS?

Public Body

#

BOCC

State Agency

Common Pleas

Probate

Municipal

Other Geauga

Notes

Airport Authority

7

3





4

3 Airport Authority; 1 Middlefield Village

Developmental Disabilities Board

7

5



2




Elections Board

4


4






Law Library Resources Board

5

2


1


1

1

County Prosecutor

Local Emergency Planning Committee

varies

nominates

appoints






Mental Health & Recovery Services Board

14

8

6






Metropolitan Housing Authority

5

1


1

1


2

Chardon City Manager

Park District

5




5




Planning Commission

11

11







Public Defenders Commission

5

3


2





Public Health District

5






5

HDAC

Public Library Board

7

4


3





Soil & Water Conservation District

5






5

Elected

Veterans Services Commission

5



5





Total Appointments

80

37

10

7

8

1

17





WHY DOES IT MATTER?




Informs which bodies to monitor for undue influence
   
 How concentrated is appointment authority?
 Does the body operate independently?



Provides a means for evaluating elected officials and candidates

Are board members well qualified?
Are goals being met?
Are boards functioning smoothly?





Appointment Opportunities

Authorities, Boards, Commissions, Committees & Districts
(Appointed Community Members)

 

Airport Authority
Developmental Disabilities Board
Elections Board
Law Library Resources Bd.
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Mental Health/Recovery Services Bd.
Metropolitan Housing Authority


Geauga County Airport Authority

The airport’s mission is to manage the airport in a fashion that will improve and promote general aviation in Geauga County as well as materially benefit the local economy.


Airport Authority Website

Contact: Richard Blamer at 440-632-1883

Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

Board Member

Brian Szuter

12/31/2024

GCAA

Board Member

R. Christopher Schloss

12/31/2024

BOCC

Board Member

Ben Nicastro

12/31/2025

Middlefield Village

Board Member

Tim Randles

12/31/2026

GCAA

Board Member

James Makee, Jr.

12/31/2026

BOCC

President

George (Chip) Hess, II

12/31/2027

BOCC

Vice President

Greg Gyllstrom?

12/31/2027

GCAA



Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Helping people Live, Learn, and Earn in our community.


Board of Developmental Disabilities Website


Contact: Dave Carlson at 440-729-9406


Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

President

Laura Janson

12/31/2024

BOCC

Vice President

Richard Suttell

12/31/2024

BOCC

Secretary

Uschy Keiper

12/31/2024

BOCC

Member

Mark Jackson

12/31/2024

BOCC

Member - Amish Rep

Martin Miller

12/31/2024

Probate Judge

Member

Dave Lair

12/31/2025

BOCC

Member

Stacey Wilder

12/31/2025

Probate Judge


Geauga Board of Elections

The Geauga County Board of Elections serves the citizens of Geauga County by carrying out the duties assigned by the Ohio Secretary of State and the Ohio Revised Code to conduct elections in an orderly and efficient manner and to provide the highest level of courteous service to the public in a manner that is free from all partisan influence.


Board of Elections Website | Observer Corps Reports


Contact: Michelle Lane, Executive Director, at 440-279-2030 



Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

Chair

Dennis Pavella


Secretary of State

Vice Chair

Joan Windnagel


Secretary of State

Member

Janet Carson


Secretary of State

Member

Vacant


Secretary of State


Law Library Resource Board

The Geauga County Board of Elections serves the citizens of Geauga County by carrying out the duties assigned by the Ohio Secretary of State and the Ohio Revised Code to conduct elections in an orderly and efficient manner and to provide the highest level of courteous service to the public in a manner that is free from all partisan influence.

Law Library Resources Board

Contact: Krystal Ann Thompson, Director, at 440-285-2222


Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority




Prosecuting Attorney




BOCC




Judge




BOCC




Judge


Coming Soon!


Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services

The Mission of the Board is to provide community leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based mental health and recovery services that are responsive to consumer-centered planning.

MHRS Board Website | Observer Corps Reports

Contact: Teresa Slater at 440-285-2822

Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

Board Member

Ann Bagley

6/30/2024

Ohio MHAS

Board Member

Martin Fay

6/30/2024

Ohio MHAS

Board Member

Gregory J. O'Brien

6/30/2025

BOCC

Board Member

Kathy L. Johnson

6/30/2026

BOCC

Treasurer

Michael Petruziello

6/30/2026

BOCC

Board Member

Carolee K. Leysik, PhD

6/30/2026

Ohio MHAS

Secretary

Jimmy Lee Holden

6/30/2026

BOCC

Board Member

Mary Ruth Shumway

6/30/2026

BOCC

Chair

Steven Oluic, PhD

6/30/2027

BOCC

Vice Chair

Alberta Chokshi

6/30/2027

Ohio MHAS

Board Member

Reba Dykes

6/30/2027

BOCC

Board Member

Douglas Lundblad

6/30/2027

Ohio MHAS

Board Member

Patricia Varanese

6/30/2027

Ohio MHAS



Metropolitan Housing Authority Board

To provide affordable housing that is sanitary and safe to elderly, disabled, and low-income families in the community while providing them with opportunities to being financially secure and having a better life.

Metropolitan Housing Authority Website

Contact: Dawn Farrell, Executive Director, at 440-286-7413


Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

Chair

Richard Depenbrok

4/4/2025

Chardon City Manager
Resident RepSusan Kemmerer4/5/2026

Chardon City Manager

MemberMichael Petruziello4/5/2027BOCC

Vice-Chair

Jeff Markley4/5/2028Common Pleas Court

Member

Walter (Skip) Claypool

4/4/2029

Probate Judge

Park District
Planning Commission
Public Defenders Commission
Public Health District
Public Library Board
Soil & Water Conservation District
Veterans Services Commission

Geauga Park District

The mission of Geauga Park District is to preserve, conserve and protect the natural features of Geauga County and to provide outdoor recreational experiences to our residents of every age, every ability and at all times of the year.

Park District Website

Contact: John Oros, Executive Director, at 440-286-9516


Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

President

Ray Guarino

12/31/2024

Probate Judge

Commissioner

Jolene Carnabuci

12/31/2024

Probate Judge

Commissioner

Les Lagatta

12/31/2025

Probate Judge

Commissioner

Frank Stein

12/31/2025

Probate Judge

Vice President

Howard Bates

12/31/2026

Probate Judge


Planning Commission

The primary responsibilities of the Commission and its staff are enforcement of the Geauga County Subdivision Regulations, provide advice and recommendations to townships regarding zoning amendments, prepare the county land use plan, and census data analysis. Per Ohio Revised Code 713.23 the Commission can also prepare plans, studies, maps, recommendations, and reports on various topics including but not limited to land use, transportation, farmland, utilities, and natural resources.

Planning Commission Website

Contact:Christine Blair, Clerk of County Commissioners, at 440-279-1660


Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

Chair

Nicholas Gorris

12/31/2024

BOCC

Board Member

Walter “Skip” Claypool

12/31/2024

BOCC

Board Member

Dan Miller

12/31/2024

BOCC

Secretary/Treasurer

Gary Neola, Jr.

12/31/2025

BOCC

Board Member

Caterina Cocca-Fulton

12/31/2025

BOCC

Board Member

James McCaskey

12/31/2025

BOCC

Vice Chair

Dennis Bergansky

12/31/2026

BOCC

Board Member

Vacant

12/31/2026

BOCC

County Commissioner

Jim Dvorak

n/a

*Elected

County Commissioner

Tim Lennon

n/a

*Elected

County Commissioner

Ralph Spidalieri

n/a

*Elected


Public Defenders Commission

Coming Soon

Public Health District

Geauga Public Health District is dedicated to improving public health services by monitoring, educating, and promoting community and environmental health services in Geauga County, Ohio.

Public Health District Website

Contact: Chris Alusheff, HDAC Chair


Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

Board Member

Lynn Roman

3/31/2024

Health District Advisory Council

Board Member

Dr. Mark Rood

3/31/2025

Health District Advisory Council

Board Member

Dr. Ashley Jones, Pharm D.

3/31/2026

Health District Advisory Council

President

Carolyn Brakey

3/31/2027

Health District Advisory Council

Board Member

Dr. Mark Hendrickson

3/31/2028

Health District Advisory Council



Public Library Board

Seven Library Board members serve seven-year terms that expire on June 30. Terms are staggered with one term expiring each year. Four Library Board members are appointed by the County Commissioners and three are appointed by the Common Pleas Court Judges. Once appointed, the Library Board is a body politic and political subdivision of the State of Ohio with autonomous responsibility for library operations.

Geauga County Public Library Website

Contact: Kris Carroll, GCPL Executive Director  at 440-286-6811 


Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

Trustee

Joshua Hutchinson

6/30/2024

BOCC

Trustee

Kathryn Petrone

6/30/2025

Common Pleas Judges

Trustee

Crist Miller

6/30/2026

BOCC

President

Paul Newman

6/30/2027

Common Pleas Judges

Secretary

Kristen Brickman

6/30/2028

BOCC

Vice President

Karen Delano

6/30/2029

BOCC

Trustee

Jake Yanchar

6/30/2030

Common Pleas Judges


Soil & Water Conservation District

To conserve, protect, and enhance the soil and water resources of Geauga County by providing leadership, education, and assistance to all.

Geauga Soil & Water Conservation District Website 

Contact: Carmella Shale, Executive Director, at 440-834-1122


Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

Treasurer

Mary Slingluff

12/31/2024

Elected - Annual General Election

Fiscal Agent

Dee Belew

12/31/2024

Elected - Annual General Election

Chair

Jeff Huntsberger

12/31/2025

Elected - Annual General Election

Secretary

Tracy Engle

12/31/2025

Elected - Annual General Election

Vice Chair

Robert Lausin

12/31/2026

Elected - Annual General Election


Geauga County Veterans Services Commission

To oversee the operation of the Veterans Service Office; to provide temporary financial assistance to veterans, spouses, dependent children, and surviving spouses.

Veterans Services Commission Website

Contact: Your VFW Post


Role

Name

Term Expires

Appointing Authority

Secretary

Eric Stransky

12/31/2023

Common Pleas Judges

Commissioner

Charles "Skip" Boehnlein

12/31/2024

Common Pleas Judges

Vice President

Doug Lundblad

12/31/2025

Common Pleas Judges

Commissioner

Kyle Peterson

12/31/2026

Common Pleas Judges

President

John Riha

12/31/2027

Common Pleas Judges





Other Resources







League of Women Voters of Geauga

contact@lwvgeauga.org