City Government

Oberlin's Charter establishes the Council-Manager form of government. The powers of the City are for local self-government under the home rule provisions of the Ohio Constitution and statutes.

All legislative powers are vested in the Council, which consists of seven members elected on a non-partisan basis at large. The Council elects one of its members to serve as Council Chair who also serves as Mayor. The Council Chair presides at meetings of Council and is recognized as the official head of the City for ceremonial purposes, by the Governor for military purposes and by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process. A Council Vice Chair is also chosen by the same method and acts in the absence of the Council Chair.

The Council appoints the City Clerk to keep the journal and records of Council and other duties as they may require. The Clerk is a full-time position with additional duties assigned by the Council.

The Council also appoints the City Manager as chief executive and administrative officer of the City. All other administrative appointments are the responsibility of the City Manager, with exceptions according to the Charter and Ohio civil service provisions. The City Solicitor is appointed by Council to provide legal services.

For more information about the City Council, visit the City Council webpage.

Organizational Structure

The City Manager works closely with an administrative staff, including the Electric, Fire, Planning & Development, Police, Public Works and Code Enforcement, along with the City Manager's Office.

The Police Department, with 19 sworn officers, embraces a community-oriented policing style appropriate to this home town environment. Crime rates are low with no particularly alarming trends. Theft and domestic conflict are the most prevalent crimes. The Chief is appointed by the City Manager. The Department is co-located in City Hall along with the Oberlin Municipal Court and the prosecutors. There is a 3-day holding facility with modern, on-view cells and secure passages for moving detainees into and throughout the building. Dispatch provides its own communication services.

The Fire Department is a combination professionally operated department that earns an ISO Class 5 rating. It provides fire suppression, rescue, and limited emergency medical service. Of 30 Firefighter/EMTs, nine are qualified in Advanced Life Support. The Department participates in a cooperative countywide hazardous materials response and specialized rescue effort. Members are fully trained in the incident command system. There are nine emergency vehicles, the largest being a 100 ft. aerial tower.

The Public Works Department includes divisions for street maintenance, refuse collection, and city vehicle maintenance. The Public Works garage is adjacent to the electric generating plant. Public Works also oversees the water and sewer systems. Water is provided from production wells and is stored in elevated tanks in order to increase the main pressure. The Wastewater Treatment Plant handles about 1.5 million gallons daily flow, using activated sludge as secondary treatment, chlorination of the effluent and land application of solids.

The Oberlin Municipal Light and Power System provides electric generation for all residential and commercial customers in and adjacent to the City.

The Engineering Department accomplishes much engineering design and inspection in response to community growth. The City employees two registered engineers other than the Director.

The Planning and Zoning Department monitors the Comprehensive Plan, provides zoning and subdivision control and responds to applications before the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.

The Recreation Department plans for the development of park properties and programs a full variety of recreation, enrichment and educational activities.

The Finance Department has responsibility for the treasury, income tax, utility billing, payroll, accounting and budget control.

Boards and Commissions

For a complete listing of Boards and Commission members, see the Boards and Commissions page.

Boards and Commissions established by Charter or by Ordinance include the Planning Commission, Recreation Commission, Civil Service Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals.

The City Council has also established Committees of Council for oversight in the various areas.

The Planning Commission carries out local planning and zoning review and responds to the Ohio statutes that enable local zoning. The Planning Commission acts as the referral and review body regarding all applications related to zoning and development approval. It also serves as the Platting Commission for review and approval of industrial building applications and other reviews referred by Council. It has the responsibility to update the official City Plan with respect to the physical development of the City and the requirements for services and facilities, rights of way, housing, neighborhood facilities, open space and "other conditions of wholesome living or work".

The Civil Service Commission is appointed by Council. It has the responsibility for testing merit and fitness and listing for hire or promotion all classified (non-administrative) employees of the City according to the general laws of the State of Ohio.

The Historic Preservation Committee is an advisory board to the City Council on policy respecting the historic value of buildings and places in the community. The Board seeks to protect and preserve the value, appearance and use of property to maintain the high quality of community development, according to historic standards and criteria.

Employment

The City employs some 100 full time employees, plus seasonal part time employees. There are seven bargaining units certified by the Ohio Public Employee Labor Relations law: