County Government

Clairmont County was organized in 1818 and is governed under the three-commissioner form provided by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 305. Ohio counties have no home-rule charter option comparable to municipalities; the Board of County Commissioners and the county’s other elected officials each derive their authority directly from state statute.

Board of County Commissioners

The Board consists of three members elected countywide to staggered four-year terms. The Board sets the annual tax budget and appropriations, lets contracts for public improvements, maintains county buildings, oversees several county-wide services (including the Engineer’s road department, Job & Family Services, and the county home), and acts as the taxing authority of last resort for special districts that lack their own board. The Board does not have authority over the other elected row officers (Auditor, Treasurer, Sheriff, and similar offices), each of which answers independently to the voters.

The Board meets Tuesdays at 10:00 AM, with an additional session the first Monday of each month, in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room at the courthouse. Meetings are open to the public under the Ohio Open Meetings Act (ORC 121.22). See the meeting schedule and minutes for agendas and adopted resolutions.

Elected Officials

In addition to the Board of Commissioners, Clairmont County voters elect the following row officers and judges. Each office is a separate legal entity under Ohio law with its own budget line, staff, and statutory duties.

Boards, Commissions, and Appointments

The Commissioners appoint citizen volunteers to a number of boards and commissions, including the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Agricultural Society, the Solid Waste Management District policy committee, the Regional Planning Commission, and the Community Corrections Board. Appointments are generally for staggered terms and vacancies are announced through the county’s public notices. Residents interested in serving may write to the Commissioners’ Clerk, Janet Whipple, at the courthouse address below, stating the board of interest and a brief statement of qualifications.

Finances

The Board adopts an annual tax budget and periodic appropriation measures. See County Budget for the current general fund appropriations and the schedule for inspecting the full budget document.

Records and Employment

Records of Board proceedings, resolutions, and correspondence are public records under ORC 149.43; see Public Records for request procedures. Current openings in county government, including positions with the Commissioners’ office and other departments, are listed at Employment.

Office Information

Meeting schedules and appointment terms are subject to change by resolution of the Board; contact the Clerk’s office at (740) 555-4601 to confirm before attending.

Page last updated: 06/29/2026