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Editor’s Note: Below is the executive summary of the government restructing report prepared for the Citizens Research Group. To view the entire report visit bassislandstudy.org.
Purpose of the Study
In 2023, a grassroots coalition known as the Citizens Research Group (CRG), comprising Village and Township residents, business owners, and property stakeholders from South Bass and Middle Bass Islands, formed with the shared goal of examining the future of local governance on the Bass Islands. The group recognized growing community frustration with the current dual-government structure between the Village of Put-In-Bay and Put-In-Bay Township, particularly with lack of citizen representation on Village boards and commissions, some services duplication, inconsistent zoning, and the administrative challenges of maintaining two overlapping local governments on a small island with fewer than 1,000 residents.
CRG initiated this study to evaluate whether restructuring governance could result in:
• More efficient service delivery
• Stronger community representation
• Cost savings or enhanced infrastructure investment
• Greater clarity for residents, businesses, and visitors
With professional support from Local Gov Consultants and citizen engagement led by Bowling Green State University (BGSU), the study carefully analyzed community sentiment, service levels, and financial data. The overwhelming public support (over 80%) for a single-government model laid the foundation for the following recommendation.
Recommended Approach
Type II Expedited Annexation of select portions of South Bass Island into the Village of Put-In-Bay, while retaining existing Township boundaries.
This strategy allows for phased, consensual integration of unincorporated island areas into the Village—balancing long-term efficiency goals with immediate political and financial realities.
Key Recommendations
• Strategic, Phased Annexation
• Initiate with small, contiguous, high-support areas.
• Use Type II expedited annexation to reduce legal risk.
• Demonstrate municipal service capacity before expansion.
• Maintain Township Structure
• Keeps Middle and North Bass governance stable.
• Limits service disruption and tax base erosion.
• Preserves township identity during gradual change.
• Intergovernmental Service Agreements
• Jointly manage Fire/EMS, cemeteries, and road services.
• Negotiate shared tax revenue or service-based compensation.
• Improve Local Governance Capacity
• Expand Village jurisdiction and voter base.
• Create a larger pool of candidates for boards, council, and mayoral roles.
• Community Engagement and Legal Alignment
• Leverage strong public support (83% in favor of change with better services).
• Coordinate land use/zoning to address concerns about business expansion.
Phased Implementation Strategy
1. Phase 1 – Annex contiguous, willing areas; establish early success and refine service models.
2. Phase 2 – Formalize shared services; ensure sustainability across all Bass Islands.
3. Phase 3 – Comprehensive Planning for Growth; address zoning, infrastructure, and housing challenges proactively.
Why This Option Is Recommended
• Legally Sound: Meets ORC annexation standards with reduced risk.
• Community-Aligned: Reflects survey results and stakeholder feedback.
• Financially Responsible: Spreads costs over time, protects Township revenues.
• Politically Feasible: Enables change without forced consolidation.
• Governance-Enhancing: Builds capacity for better leadership and decision-making.
Rejected Alternatives
The following options were studied but not recommended due to high cost, legal barriers or likely political resistance:
• Full merger of Township and Village
• Majority-petition annexation of all or part of the Township
• Type I expedited annexation (100% owner consent)
• Village dissolution
• Maintaining the current dual-government status quo
The previous piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please click here.
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