Government Strong Arm
If you live in an Ohio township, you probably think your "Section 12" agreement is a shield. It’s the part of the contract where the City legally promises: “We won't annex your land for the next 50 (or 100) years.”
But in 2026, a new strategy has emerged. Some City Mayors are trying to bypass that shield by using your kitchen sink as a bargaining chip.
1. The Strategy: "Sign or Go Dry."
The bypass is simple but devastating. Instead of following the Legislative Process—which requires public meetings, open debate, and a vote by the Township Trustees—the Mayor’s office takes Administrative Action.
They aren't changing the law; they are just "changing policy." They begin denying water service transfers to anyone in the Township.
The Result: If you try to sell your house, the buyer can't get the water turned on.
The Goal: Create enough chaos and anger among residents that they "storm the castle" and force the Township Trustees to waive their Section 12 protections just to get the water flowing again.
2. The Legal Bypass: Why it’s "Dirty Pool."
Sections 6 and 12 of your contract were written to provide stability. They require "official legislative action" to change. By using water as leverage, the Mayor is attempting an end-run around the law.
Under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 715.74), a city isn't supposed to use a utility contract as "duress" to force a township into a JEDD or an annexation deal. In fact, if a court finds the agreement was signed under "duress or coercion," the whole deal can be tossed out.
3. The 2026 Fightback: SB 376 and Beyond.
The "bypass" has become so aggressive that the State of Ohio is taking notice. As of March 2026, Senate Bill 376 has been introduced to stop exactly what you’re seeing.
Fair Rates: Preventing cities from charging "punishment" prices for water to township residents.
The "Anti-Weaponization" Rule: Creating a process where townships can sue for a "Declaratory Judgment" if a city uses water service to force annexation.
4. Why the "Legislative Process" Matters.
When a Mayor asks the Trustees to "just amend the contract" without the formal process, they are asking them to ignore YOU.
Transparency: The legislative process requires public hearings.
Stability: It prevents a single Mayor from tearing up a 50-year-old agreement on a whim.
Protection: It ensures that the "No Annexation" promise in Section 12 remains a legal wall, not a suggestion.
The Bottom Line: A contract is only as good as the people who sign it. If a City is using water to bypass Section 12, they aren't just fighting the Trustees—they are holding the residents' property values hostage.
Keith Castillo,
Libertarian Candidate, Ohio CD13
Posted on 18 Mar 2026, 18:43 - Category: Canton