Jefferson Township was organized around 1839. It is one of fourteen townships of Mercer County, Ohio, United States. The 2000 census found 13,231 people in the township, 2,928 of whom lived in the unincorporated portions of the township. The city of Celina, the county seat of Mercer County, is located in central Jefferson Township, and Grand Lake St. Marys occupies the township’s southeastern quarter.

Government

The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1. Two are elected in the year after the presidential election and one is elected in the year before it. There is also an elected township fiscal officer who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election. Vacancies in the fiscal officer or on the board of trustees are filled by the remaining trustees.

Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the legislative authority in the township and also fulfills many executive responsibilities. The Board has the responsibility to maintain township roads, cemeteries and parks, and provide for safety services as residents deem necessary. While many responsibilities are required, the Ohio Revised Code also specifies that townships may, if they desire, provide a large number of other services.

Fiscal Officer

The Fiscal Officer is elected to oversee and safeguard the township funds and work with the trustees to see monies are spent wisely and in the best interest of the residents. Fiscal Officers are also the keeper of all the township records.