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Norwich Township trustees adopt residency requirement for fire personnel
Summary
The Norwich Township Board of Trustees voted to require fire department employees hired after May 1, 2006, to live in Franklin or adjacent counties, adopting a resolution under Ohio law after reviewing Sub. S.B. 82 and local counsel; the motion carried unanimously.
The Norwich Township Board of Trustees on Dec. 28, 2006, adopted a residency resolution that requires fire-department employees hired after May 1, 2006, to reside in Franklin, Union, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway or Madison counties.
Trustee Jim Rice moved to adopt the resolution under Ohio Revised Code Section 9.481(B)(2)(b), and Larry Earman seconded the motion; the board recorded the motion as carried (Resolution R-32-06). The resolution states existing employees who live in those counties as of May 1, 2006, may remain where they live, while new hires must meet the county residency requirement within six months of hire.
The board had discussed the issue previously after the state passed Sub. S.B. 82, which generally limits political subdivisions’ ability to impose residency conditions but preserves limited exceptions. Township counsel drafted the resolution presented to trustees for review and incorporation into local policy.
Township officials said the change aims to balance the operational needs of the Norwich Township Fire Department with statutory constraints. Trustees and the fire chief discussed the timeline for implementation and agreed the township attorney would help finalize language and administrative steps.
What happens next: The resolution becomes effective May 1, 2006, per its text, and trustees recorded the adoption on their minutes. The board indicated it would consult with counsel about implementation details, including how the policy applies to current employees and how compliance will be verified.
Speakers quoted or cited in the meeting record: Trustee Jim Rice (mover), Trustee Larry Earman (seconder), Township attorney (draft author) and Chairman Chuck Buck, who presided over the vote.
Ending: Trustees tabled some procedural follow-ups to allow the attorney and department leadership to prepare implementation guidance for staff and to communicate the new requirements to affected personnel.
