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Norwich Township trustees adopt formal policy to fill trustee vacancy
Summary
On Feb. 24, 2026, the Norwich Township Board of Trustees adopted a resolution formalizing the procedure to fill a trustee or fiscal officer vacancy under Ohio Revised Code §503.24, committing to public notice, candidate interviews and conflict-of-interest safeguards; the board voted 2–0 with one seat vacant.
The Norwich Township Board of Trustees adopted a resolution Feb. 24, 2026, establishing a formal process to fill a vacancy in the office of Township Trustee or Fiscal Officer under Ohio Revised Code §503.24. The resolution, passed by roll-call vote with Chair Kelli Arthur Hykes and Vice-Chair Brian Rothenberg voting yes and one seat vacant, requires public notice, a minimum application window and transparency and conflict-of-interest safeguards.
The resolution mandates that the board post notice of the vacancy within three business days on the township website, at the township building and through social media and local press; the resolution also specifies that the application period shall remain open for at least ten calendar days unless ORC timing requires a shorter period. Hykes said the posting would go live Feb. 24, 2026, and the board has until March 23, 2026, to make an appointment under state law.
Why it matters: the resolution is intended to make the appointment process more transparent and reduce the appearance of impropriety when a board fills a local elected vacancy. It codifies several statutory references, requires interviews in open session unless executive session is expressly allowed by law, and requires roll-call votes and public disclosure of applications as public records.
Key provisions of the adopted policy include eligibility and vetting rules, transparency steps and conflict-of-interest safeguards. Applicants must be electors of Norwich Township, meet residency requirements and be otherwise eligible under Ohio law to assume office and post required bond or obtain coverage where allowed. The policy requires trustees to publicly disclose familial, financial or business relationships with applicants and to recuse themselves on the record if Ohio law or impartiality concerns so require. The board adopted an anti-nepotism standard that discourages a trustee from voting to appoint an immediate family member and triggers mandatory disclosure and legal advisory review when an applicant is related to a trustee.
The board also agreed preliminary dates for processing applicants: March 10, 2026, was set for the first review of applications; the first round of interviews is scheduled for March 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM with a backup morning session on March 16, 2026, if needed. Township Administrator Jamie Fisher asked whether interviews would be held in public or in executive session; Vice-Chair Rothenberg said he prefers public interviews and Hykes asked Fisher to consult the township attorney about strongly encouraging candidates to appear at their scheduled interview times.
The resolution requires that the appointed successor serve until a successor is elected and qualified, consistent with ORC §503.24, and instructs the township to complete required post-appointment steps such as administering the oath of office and notifying the Franklin County Board of Elections and the Ohio Secretary of State within seven calendar days. The resolution also authorizes the board to modify procedural steps as necessary so long as actions comply with ORC §503.24 and other applicable law.
The adoption followed a motion by Vice-Chair Brian Rothenberg and a second by Chair Kelli Arthur Hykes; the motion passed with two affirmative votes and one vacant seat recorded. The board adjourned the special meeting at 12:28 PM. The township administrator was directed to proceed with the notice and scheduling steps described in the resolution.
