Monroe County Village Governments on the Block
In recent years, two area incorporated communities gave up charters and were absorbed by the surrounding township – Salesville in Guernsey County and Smithfield in Jefferson County.
Historically, one other community went that route in the late 1800s – Temperanceville.
Now, it appears some Monroe County incorporated communities may disappear.
Miltonsburg, in Malaga Township, is recognized by some sources as the smallest incorporated community in the entire state. The 2020 population of Miltonsburg was 42. The town’s population peaked in 1960 at 110 during the heyday of the aluminum factories along the Ohio River.
In recent years as we’ve followed local elections, we cannot remember anyone filing for village council or mayor in the village.
Recently, village fiscal officer Kayla Landefeld contacted the state about dissolution of the village. While she continues to pay the bills, there is no one empowering her to make the payments
The state law regarding involuntary dissolution of an incorporated community changed in recent years. Ohio House Bill 331, which established new criteria under Ohio Revised Code Section 703.331, county budget commissions are required to audit small villages every ten years. If a village fails to meet basic benchmarks—such as offering at least 5 out of 10 core municipal services or having certified candidates run for local office—it faces the dissolution process.
The Monroe County Commissioners, Ohio Auditor’s Office and representatives from the Monroe County communities that may meet the new criteria – Antioch, Graysville, Jerusalem, Graysville, Lewisville, Miltonsburg, Stafford and Wilson, gathered on August 17 to discuss the matter.
The other incorporated village in Malaga Township, Jerusalem, which also spreads over into Sunbury Township, is under state review.
According to village fiscal agent Chris Mellenger, the state collected the village’s books in August and as of the last week of September, they have not been returned.
The difference between the two communities, however, is there are appointed officials that fill council seats and an active mayor, Jeff Fluharty, on board.
Another difference between the two is Jerusalem officials own and maintain the former Jerusalem School, located on Church Street, for village offices and a community center.
Jerusalem, too, has lost population in the past 50 years. The population in 2020 was 121, down 40 in the previous decade, while the town’s population also peaked in 1960 at 317.
Barnesville Area News Needs Your Support!
We're dedicated to providing coverage of the local happenings in Barnesville and the neighboring communities.
As a non-profit entity, we rely on the donations of readers like you.
Make a donation today and you'll be helping keep local news alive in the Barnesville area.