130th Ohio General Assembly
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As Passed by the Senate

122nd General Assembly
Regular Session
1997-1998
Am. Sub. S. B. No. 223

SENATORS DRAKE-HERINGTON-MUMPER-GAETH-KEARNS-CARNES-WHITE- LATTA-DiDONATO-HAGAN-HOWARD-NEIN-BLESSING-FINAN-GARDNER


A BILL
To amend sections 133.07, 317.08, 317.32, 5301.67 to 5301.69, 5705.19, and 5739.026 and to enact sections 133.60, 133.61, 901.21, 901.22, 5301.691, and 5301.692 of the Revised Code to clarify the agricultural land uses that may be the subject of conservation easements; to authorize only the Director of Agriculture, certain local governments, and charitable organizations to acquire agricultural easements in order to preserve the agricultural use of land; to permit counties to levy or increase the rate of a sales or use tax to acquire agricultural easements and retire bonds issued for their purchase; to permit local governments to levy a property tax outside the ten-mill limitation to acquire, supervise, and enforce agricultural easements and to issue general obligation bonds to finance them; and to authorize the extinguishment of agricultural easements under specified circumstances.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:


Section 1. That sections 133.07, 317.08, 317.32, 5301.67, 5301.68, 5301.69, 5705.19, and 5739.026 be amended and sections 133.60, 133.61, 901.21, 901.22, 5301.691, and 5301.692 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 133.07. (A) A county shall not incur, without a vote of the electors, either of the following:

(1) Net indebtedness for all purposes that exceeds an amount equal to one per cent of its tax valuation;

(2) Net indebtedness for the purpose of paying the county's share of the cost of the construction, improvement, maintenance, or repair of state highways that exceeds an amount equal to one-half of one per cent of its tax valuation.

(B) A county shall not incur total net indebtedness that exceeds an amount equal to the one of the following limitations that applies to the county:

(1) A county with a valuation not exceeding one hundred million dollars, three per cent of that tax valuation;

(2) A county with a tax valuation exceeding one hundred million dollars but not exceeding three hundred million dollars, three million dollars plus one and one-half per cent of that tax valuation in excess of one hundred million dollars;

(3) A county with a tax valuation exceeding three hundred million dollars, six million dollars plus two and one-half per cent of that tax valuation in excess of three hundred million dollars.

(C) In calculating the net indebtedness of a county, none of the following securities shall be considered:

(1) Securities described in section 307.201 of the Revised Code;

(2) Self-supporting securities issued for any purposes, including, but not limited to, any of the following general purposes:

(a) Water systems or facilities;

(b) Sanitary sewerage systems or facilities, or surface and storm water drainage and sewerage systems or facilities, or a combination of those systems or facilities;

(c) County or joint county scrap tire collection, storage, monocell, monofill, or recovery facilities, or any combination of those facilities;

(d) Off-street parking lots, facilities, or buildings, or on-street parking facilities, or any combination of off-street and on-street parking facilities;

(e) Facilities for the care or treatment of the sick or infirm, and for housing the persons providing that care or treatment and their families;

(f) Recreational, sports, convention, auditorium, museum, trade show, and other public attraction facilities;

(g) Facilities for natural resources exploration, development, recovery, use, and sale;

(h) Correctional and detention facilities and related rehabilitation facilities.

(3) Securities issued for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, improving, or extending water or sanitary or surface and storm water sewerage systems or facilities, or a combination of those systems or facilities, to the extent that an agreement entered into with another subdivision requires the other subdivision to pay to the county amounts equivalent to debt charges on the securities;

(4) Voted general obligation securities issued for the purpose of permanent improvements for sanitary sewerage or water systems or facilities to the extent that the total principal amount of voted securities outstanding for the purpose does not exceed an amount equal to two per cent of the county's tax valuation;

(5) Securities issued for permanent improvements to house agencies, departments, boards, or commissions of the county or of any municipal corporation located, in whole or in part, in the county, to the extent that the revenues, other than revenues from unvoted county property taxes, derived from leases or other agreements between the county and those agencies, departments, boards, commissions, or municipal corporations relating to the use of the permanent improvements are sufficient to cover the cost of all operating expenses of the permanent improvements paid by the county and debt charges on the securities;

(6) Securities issued pursuant to section 133.08 of the Revised Code;

(7) Securities issued for the purpose of acquiring or constructing roads, highways, bridges, or viaducts, for the purpose of acquiring or making other highway permanent improvements, or for the purpose of procuring and maintaining computer systems for the office of the clerk of any county-operated municipal court, for the office of the clerk of the court of common pleas, or for the office of the clerk of the probate, juvenile, or domestic relations division of the court of common pleas to the extent that the legislation authorizing the issuance of the securities includes a covenant to appropriate from moneys distributed to the county pursuant to division (B) of section 2101.162, 2151.541, 2153.081, 2301.031, or 2303.201 or Chapter 4501., 4503., 4504., or 5735. of the Revised Code a sufficient amount to cover debt charges on and financing costs relating to the securities as they become due;

(8) Securities issued for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, and equipping a county, multicounty, or multicounty-municipal jail, workhouse, juvenile detention facility, or correctional facility;

(9) Securities issued for the acquisition, construction, equipping, or repair of any permanent improvement or any class or group of permanent improvements enumerated in a resolution adopted pursuant to division (D) of section 5739.026 of the Revised Code to the extent that the legislation authorizing the issuance of the securities includes a covenant to appropriate from moneys received from the taxes authorized under section 5739.023 and division (A)(5) of section 5739.026 of the Revised Code an amount sufficient to pay debt charges on the securities and those moneys shall be pledged for that purpose;

(10) Securities issued for county or joint county solid waste or hazardous waste collection, transfer, or disposal facilities, or resource recovery and solid or hazardous waste recycling facilities, or any combination of those facilities;

(11) Securities issued for the acquisition, construction, and equipping of a port authority educational and cultural facility under section 307.671 of the Revised Code;

(12) Securities issued for the acquisition, construction, equipping, and improving of a municipal educational and cultural facility under division (B)(1) of section 307.672 of the Revised Code;

(13) Securities issued for energy conservation measures under section 307.041 of the Revised Code;

(14) Securities issued for the acquisition, construction, equipping, improving, or repair of a sports facility, including obligations issued to pay costs of a sports facility under section 307.673 of the Revised Code;

(15) Securities issued under section 755.17 of the Revised Code if the legislation authorizing issuance of the securities includes a covenant to appropriate from revenue received from a tax authorized under division (A)(5) of section 5739.026 and section 5741.023 of the Revised Code an amount sufficient to pay debt charges on the securities, and the board of county commissioners pledges that revenue for that purpose, pursuant to section 755.171 of the Revised Code;

(15)(16) Sales tax supported bonds issued pursuant to section 133.081 of the Revised Code for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, or equipping any permanent improvement to the extent that the legislation authorizing the issuance of the sales tax supported bonds pledges county sales taxes to the payment of debt charges on the sales tax supported bonds and contains a covenant to appropriate from county sales taxes a sufficient amount to cover debt charges or the financing costs related to the sales tax supported bonds as they become due.

(17) BONDS OR NOTES ISSUED UNDER SECTION 133.60 OF THE REVISED CODE IF THE LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS OR NOTES INCLUDES A COVENANT TO APPROPRIATE FROM REVENUE RECEIVED FROM A TAX AUTHORIZED UNDER DIVISION (A)(9) OF SECTION 5739.026 AND SECTION 5741.023 OF THE REVISED CODE AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE DEBT CHARGES ON THE BONDS OR NOTES, AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PLEDGES THAT REVENUE FOR THAT PURPOSE.

(D) In calculating the net indebtedness of a county, no obligation incurred under division (E) of section 339.06 of the Revised Code shall be considered.

Sec. 133.60. (A) AS USED IN THIS SECTION AND IN SECTION 133.61 OF THE REVISED CODE:

(1) "AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS IN SECTION 5301.67 OF THE REVISED CODE.

(2) "BONDS" MEANS NOTES OR BONDS.

(B) THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF A COUNTY MAY ISSUE BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS. THE ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS IS SUBJECT TO THIS CHAPTER, EXCEPT THAT THEIR MATURITY SHALL NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE EXPIRATION OF THE TAX IMPOSED UNDER SECTION 5739.026 OF THE REVISED CODE. THE BONDS DO NOT CONSTITUTE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE COUNTY, AND THEY SHALL NOT PLEDGE THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OR REVENUE OF THE COUNTY, EXCEPT REVENUES FROM THE TAXES LEVIED UNDER SECTIONS 5739.026 AND 5741.023 OF THE REVISED CODE. THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BONDS SHALL APPROPRIATE THE PROCEEDS OF THOSE TAXES FIRST TO THE PAYMENT OF DEBT CHARGES ON THE BONDS, AND OTHER APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THOSE TAXES SHALL BE LIMITED TO ANY BALANCE THAT REMAINS AFTER PAYING IN FULL THE DEBT CHARGES ON THE BONDS.

ALL MONEYS RAISED BY THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS UNDER THIS SECTION, AFTER PAYMENT OF THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE AND FINANCING COSTS, SHALL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS.

Sec. 133.61. THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OF A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF A COUNTY, OR BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES OF A TOWNSHIP MAY ISSUE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS. THE BONDS SHALL BE ISSUED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTION 133.18 OF THE REVISED CODE AND PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER.

ALL MONEYS RAISED BY THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS UNDER THIS SECTION, AFTER PAYMENT OF THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE AND FINANCING COSTS, SHALL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS.

Sec. 317.08. Except as provided in division (F) of this section, the county recorder shall keep six separate sets of records as follows:

(A) A record of deeds, in which shall be recorded all deeds and other instruments of writing for the absolute and unconditional sale or conveyance of lands, tenements, and hereditaments; all notices as provided for in sections 5301.47 to 5301.56 of the Revised Code; all judgments or decrees in actions brought under section 5303.01 of the Revised Code; all declarations and bylaws as provided for in Chapter 5311. of the Revised Code; affidavits as provided for in section 5301.252 of the Revised Code; all certificates as provided for in section 5311.17 of the Revised Code; all articles dedicating archaeological preserves accepted by the director of the Ohio historical society under section 149.52 of the Revised Code; all articles dedicating nature preserves accepted by the director of natural resources under section 1517.05 of the Revised Code; all agreements for the registration of lands as archaeological or historic landmarks under section 149.51 or 149.55 of the Revised Code; all conveyances of conservation easements AND AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS under section 5301.68 of the Revised Code; ALL INSTRUMENTS EXTINGUISHING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS UNDER SECTION 901.21 OR 5301.691 of the Revised Code OR PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF SUCH AN EASEMENT GRANTED TO A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION UNDER SECTION 5301.68 of the Revised Code; all instruments or orders described in division (B)(1)(c)(ii) of section 5301.56 of the Revised Code; all no further action letters issued under section 3746.11 of the Revised Code; all covenants not to sue issued under section 3746.12 of the Revised Code; any restrictions on the use of property identified pursuant to division (C)(3) of section 3746.10 of the Revised Code; and all memoranda of trust, as described in division (A) of section 5301.255 of the Revised Code, that describe specific real property;

(B) A record of mortgages, in which shall be recorded all of the following:

(1) All mortgages, including amendments, supplements, modifications, and extensions of mortgages, or other instruments of writing by which lands, tenements, or hereditaments are or may be mortgaged or otherwise conditionally sold, conveyed, affected, or encumbered;

(2) All executory installment contracts for the sale of land executed after September 29, 1961, that by their terms are not required to be fully performed by one or more of the parties to them within one year of the date of the contracts;

(3) All options to purchase real estate, including supplements, modifications, and amendments of the options, but no option of that nature shall be recorded if it does not state a specific day and year of expiration of its validity;

(4) Any tax certificate sold under section 5721.33 of the Revised Code, or memorandum thereof, that is presented for filing of record.

(C) A record of powers of attorney, including all memoranda of trust, as described in division (A) of section 5301.255 of the Revised Code, that do not describe specific real property;

(D) A record of plats, in which shall be recorded all plats and maps of town lots, of the subdivision of town lots, and of other divisions or surveys of lands, any center line survey of a highway located within the county, the plat of which shall be furnished by the director of transportation or county engineer, and all drawings as provided for in Chapter 5311. of the Revised Code;

(E) A record of leases, in which shall be recorded all leases, memoranda of leases, and supplements, modifications, and amendments of leases and memoranda of leases;

(F) A record of declarations executed pursuant to section 2133.02 of the Revised Code and durable powers of attorney for health care executed pursuant to section 1337.12 of the Revised Code.

All instruments or memoranda of instruments entitled to record shall be recorded in the proper record in the order in which they are presented for record. The recorder may index, keep, and record in one volume unemployment compensation liens, internal revenue tax liens and other liens in favor of the United States as described in division (A) of section 317.09 of the Revised Code, personal tax liens, mechanic's liens, agricultural product liens, notices of liens, certificates of satisfaction or partial release of estate tax liens, discharges of recognizances, excise and franchise tax liens on corporations, broker's liens, and liens provided for in sections 1513.33, 1513.37, 3752.13, 5111.021, and 5311.18 of the Revised Code.

The recording of an option to purchase real estate, including any supplement, modification, and amendment of the option, under this section shall serve as notice to any purchaser of an interest in the real estate covered by the option only during the period of the validity of the option as stated in the option.

(G) In lieu of keeping the six separate sets of records required in divisions (A) to (F) of this section and the records required in division (H) of this section, a county recorder may record all the instruments required to be recorded by this section in two separate sets of record books. One set shall be called the "official records" and shall contain the instruments listed in divisions (A), (B), (C), (E), (F), and (H) of this section. The second set of records shall contain the instruments listed in division (D) of this section.

(H) Except as provided in division (G) of this section, the county recorder shall keep a separate set of records containing all corrupt activity lien notices filed with the recorder pursuant to section 2923.36 of the Revised Code and a separate set of records containing all medicaid fraud lien notices filed with the recorder pursuant to section 2933.75 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 317.32. The county recorder shall charge and collect the following fees for the recorder's services:

(A) For recording and indexing an instrument when the photocopy or any similar process is employed, fourteen dollars for the first two pages and four dollars for each subsequent page, size eight and one-half inches by fourteen inches, or fraction of a page, including the caption page, of such instrument;

(B) For certifying a photocopy from the record previously recorded, one dollar per page, size eight and one-half inches by fourteen inches, or fraction of a page; for each certification where the recorder's seal is required, except as to instruments issued by the armed forces of the United States, fifty cents;

(C) For manual or typewritten recording of assignment or satisfaction of mortgage or lease or any other marginal entry, four dollars;

(D) For entering any marginal reference by separate recorded instrument, two dollars for each marginal reference set out in that instrument, in addition to the recording fee set forth in division (A) of this section;

(E) For indexing in the real estate mortgage records, pursuant to division (D) of section 1309.40 of the Revised Code, financing statements covering crops growing or to be grown, timber to be cut, minerals or the like, including oil and gas, accounts subject to division (E) of section 1309.03 of the Revised Code, or fixture filings made pursuant to section 1309.32 of the Revised Code, two dollars for each name indexed;

(F) For recording manually any plat not exceeding six lines, two dollars, and for each additional line, ten cents;

(G) For filing zoning resolutions, including text and maps, in the office of the recorder as required under sections 303.11 and 519.11 of the Revised Code, fifty dollars, regardless of the size or length of the resolutions;

(H) For filing zoning amendments, including text and maps, in the office of the recorder as required under sections 303.12 and 519.12 of the Revised Code, ten dollars for the first page and four dollars for each additional page;

(I) For photocopying a document, other than at the time of recording and indexing as provided for in division (A) of this section, one dollar per page, size eight and one-half inches by fourteen inches, or fraction thereof;

(J) For local facsimile transmission of a document, one dollar per page, size eight and one-half inches by fourteen inches, or fraction thereof; for long distance facsimile transmission of a document, two dollars per page, size eight and one-half inches by fourteen inches, or fraction thereof;

(K) For recording a declaration executed pursuant to section 2133.02 of the Revised Code or a durable power of attorney for health care executed pursuant to section 1337.12 of the Revised Code, or both a declaration and a durable power of attorney for health care, at least fourteen dollars but not more than twenty dollars.

In any county in which the recorder employs the photostatic or any similar process for recording maps, plats, or prints he THE RECORDER shall determine, charge, and collect for the recording or rerecording of any map, plat, or print, a fee of five cents per square inch, for each square inch of the map, plat, or print filed for that recording or rerecording, with a minimum fee of twenty dollars; for certifying a copy from the record, a fee of two cents per square inch of the record, with a minimum fee of two dollars.

The fees provided in this section shall be paid upon the presentation of the instruments for record or upon the application for any certified copy of the record, excepting EXCEPT THAT THE PAYMENT OF fees associated with the filing and recording of, or the copying of, notices of internal revenue tax liens and notices of other liens in favor of the United States as described in division (A) of section 317.09 of the Revised Code and certificates of discharge or release of those liens, the payment for which shall be governed by section 317.09 of the Revised Code, AND THE PAYMENT OF FEES FOR PROVIDING COPIES OF INSTRUMENTS CONVEYING OR EXTINGUISHING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS TO THE OFFICE OF FARMLAND PRESERVATION UNDER DIVISION (G) OF SECTION 5301.691 of the Revised Code SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THAT DIVISION.

Sec. 901.21. (A) AS USED IN THIS SECTION AND SECTION 901.22 OF THE REVISED CODE:

(1) "AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS IN SECTION 5301.67 OF THE REVISED CODE.

(2) "AGRICULTURE" MEANS THOSE ACTIVITIES OCCURRING ON LAND DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO AGRICULTURAL USE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 5713.30 of the Revised Code.

(B) THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE MAY ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY USED PREDOMINANTLY IN AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS BY GIFT, DEVISE, OR BEQUEST IF SUCH EASEMENTS ARE ON LAND THAT IS VALUED FOR PURPOSES OF REAL PROPERTY TAXATION AT ITS CURRENT VALUE FOR AGRICULTURAL USE UNDER SECTION 5713.31 of the Revised Code WHEN THE EASEMENT IS GRANTED. ANY TERMS MAY BE INCLUDED IN AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT SO ACQUIRED THAT ARE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO PRESERVE ON BEHALF OF THE GRANTOR OF THE EASEMENT THE FAVORABLE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE GIFT, DEVISE, OR BEQUEST UNDER THE "INTERNAL REVENUE ACT OF 1986," 100 STAT. 2085, 26 U.S.C.A. 1, AS AMENDED. THE DIRECTOR, BY ANY SUCH MEANS OR BY PURCHASE OR LEASE, MAY ACQUIRE, OR ACQUIRE THE USE OF, STATIONARY PERSONAL PROPERTY OR EQUIPMENT THAT IS LOCATED ON LAND ACQUIRED IN FEE BY THE DIRECTOR UNDER THIS SECTION AND THAT IS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE FOR THE USE OF THE LAND PREDOMINANTLY IN AGRICULTURE.

(C) THE DIRECTOR MAY DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO RETAIN THE USE OF REAL PROPERTY ACQUIRED IN FEE UNDER DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION PREDOMINANTLY IN AGRICULTURE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PERFORMING ANY OF THE ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (A)(1) OR (2) OF SECTION 5713.30 OF THE REVISED CODE OR ENTERING INTO CONTRACTS TO LEASE OR RENT THE REAL PROPERTY SO ACQUIRED TO PERSONS OR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES THAT WILL USE THE LAND PREDOMINANTLY IN AGRICULTURE.

(D)(1) WHEN THE DIRECTOR CONSIDERS IT TO BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE, THE DIRECTOR MAY SELL REAL PROPERTY ACQUIRED IN FEE, AND STATIONARY PERSONAL PROPERTY OR EQUIPMENT ACQUIRED BY GIFT, DEVISE, BEQUEST, OR PURCHASE, UNDER DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION ON SUCH TERMS AS THE DIRECTOR CONSIDERS TO BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO THIS STATE.

(2) AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT ACQUIRED UNDER DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION MAY BE EXTINGUISHED UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES PRESCRIBED, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH, IN THE INSTRUMENT CONVEYING THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT.

(E) THERE IS HEREBY CREATED IN THE STATE TREASURY THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PURCHASE FUND. THE FUND SHALL CONSIST OF THE PROCEEDS RECEIVED FROM THE SALE OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY UNDER DIVISION (D) OF THIS SECTION; MONEYS RECEIVED DUE TO THE EXTINGUISHMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS ACQUIRED BY THE DIRECTOR UNDER DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION OR SECTION 5301.691 OF THE REVISED CODE; MONEYS RECEIVED DUE TO THE EXTINGUISHMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS PURCHASED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF MATCHING GRANTS MADE UNDER SECTION 901.22 OF THE REVISED CODE; GIFTS, BEQUESTS, DEVISES, AND CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE DIRECTOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS; AND GRANTS RECEIVED FROM PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SOURCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURCHASING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS. THE FUND SHALL BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DIRECTOR, AND MONEYS IN THE FUND SHALL BE USED BY THE DIRECTOR EXCLUSIVELY TO PURCHASE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS UNDER DIVISION (A) OF SECTION 5301.691 OF THE REVISED CODE AND PROVIDE MATCHING GRANTS UNDER SECTION 901.22 of the Revised Code TO MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS, COUNTIES, TOWNSHIPS, AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS. MONEY IN THE FUND SHALL BE USED ONLY TO PURCHASE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS ON LAND THAT IS VALUED FOR PURPOSES OF REAL PROPERTY TAXATION AT ITS CURRENT VALUE FOR AGRICULTURAL USE UNDER SECTION 5713.31 of the Revised Code WHEN THE EASEMENT IS PURCHASED.

Sec. 901.22. (A) THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 119. OF THE REVISED CODE, SHALL ADOPT RULES THAT DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) ESTABLISH PROCEDURES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR MAKING MATCHING GRANTS TO MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS, COUNTIES, TOWNSHIPS, AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (B) OF SECTION 5301.69 of the Revised Code FOR THE PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS;

(2) ESTABLISH PROVISIONS THAT SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE INSTRUMENT CONVEYING TO A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, COUNTY, TOWNSHIP, OR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION ANY AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PURCHASED WITH MATCHING GRANT FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE DIRECTOR UNDER THIS SECTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL OF THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS:

(a) A PROVISION STATING THAT AN EASEMENT SO PURCHASED MAY BE EXTINGUISHED ONLY IF AN UNEXPECTED CHANGE IN THE CONDITIONS OF OR SURROUNDING THE LAND THAT IS SUBJECT TO THE EASEMENT MAKES IMPOSSIBLE OR IMPRACTICAL THE CONTINUED USE OF THE LAND FOR THE PURPOSES DESCRIBED IN THE EASEMENT, OR IF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE EASEMENT ARE EXTINGUISHED BY JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS;

(b) A PROVISION REQUIRING THAT, UPON THE SALE, EXCHANGE, OR INVOLUNTARY CONVERSION OF THE LAND SUBJECT TO THE EASEMENT, THE HOLDER OF THE EASEMENT SHALL BE PAID AN AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT IS AT LEAST EQUAL TO THE PROPORTIONATE VALUE OF THE EASEMENT COMPARED TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE LAND AT THE TIME THE EASEMENT WAS ACQUIRED;

(c) A PROVISION REQUIRING THAT, UPON RECEIPT OF THE PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS OF A SALE, EXCHANGE, OR INVOLUNTARY CONVERSION DESCRIBED IN DIVISION(A)(2)(b) OF THIS SECTION, THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, COUNTY, TOWNSHIP, OR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION REMIT TO THE DIRECTOR AN AMOUNT OF MONEY EQUAL TO THE PERCENTAGE OF THE COST OF PURCHASING THE EASEMENT IT RECEIVED AS A MATCHING GRANT UNDER THIS SECTION.

MONEYS RECEIVED BY THE DIRECTOR PURSUANT TO RULES ADOPTED UNDER DIVISION(A)(2)(c) OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE CREDITED TO THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PURCHASE FUND CREATED IN SECTION 901.21 OF THE REVISED CODE.

(3) ANY OTHER REQUIREMENTS THAT THE DIRECTOR CONSIDERS TO BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO IMPLEMENT OR ADMINISTER A PROGRAM TO MAKE MATCHING GRANTS UNDER THIS SECTION AND MONITOR THOSE GRANTS.

(B) THE DIRECTOR MAY DEVELOP GUIDELINES REGARDING THE ACQUISITION OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE PROVISIONS OF INSTRUMENTS CONVEYING THOSE EASEMENTS. THE DIRECTOR MAY MAKE THE GUIDELINES AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES AUTHORIZED TO ACQUIRE AND HOLD AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS.

(C) THE DIRECTOR MAY PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN DEVELOPING A PROGRAM FOR THE ACQUISITION AND MONITORING OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES AUTHORIZED TO HOLD AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS. THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MAY INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, REVIEWING AND PROVIDING ADVISORY RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING DRAFT INSTRUMENTS CONVEYING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS.

(D) THE DIRECTOR MAY MAKE MATCHING GRANTS FROM THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS PURCHASE FUND CREATED IN SECTION 901.21 OF THE REVISED CODE TO MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS, COUNTIES, TOWNSHIPS, AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (B) OF SECTION 5301.69 of the Revised Code, TO ASSIST THOSE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS IN PURCHASING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS. APPLICATION FOR A MATCHING GRANT SHALL BE MADE ON FORMS PRESCRIBED AND PROVIDED BY THE DIRECTOR. THE MATCHING GRANTS SHALL BE MADE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED IN RULES ADOPTED UNDER THIS SECTION. INSTRUMENTS CONVEYING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS PURCHASED WITH MATCHING GRANT FUNDS PROVIDED UNDER THIS SECTION, AT A MINIMUM, SHALL INCLUDE THE MANDATORY PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN THOSE RULES.

(E)(1) THE DIRECTOR SHALL MONITOR AND EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PROGRAM AS A FARMLAND PRESERVATION TOOL. ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 1999, AND THE FIRST DAY OF JULY OF EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, THE DIRECTOR SHALL PREPARE AND SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT CONSIDER LEGISLATION REGARDING AGRICULTURE. THE REPORT SHALL CONSIDER AND ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA TO DETERMINE THE PROGRAM'S EFFECTIVENESS:

(a) THE NUMBER OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS PURCHASED DURING THE PRECEDING YEAR;

(b) THE LOCATION OF THOSE EASEMENTS;

(c) THE NUMBER OF ACRES OF LAND PRESERVED FOR AGRICULTURAL USE;

(d) THE AMOUNT OF MONEY USED BY A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, TOWNSHP, OR COUNTY FROM ITS GENERAL FUND OR SPECIAL FUND TO PURCHASE THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS;

(e) THE NUMBER OF STATE MATCHING GRANTS GIVEN TO PURCHASE THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS;

(f) THE AMOUNT OF STATE MATCHING GRANT MONEYS USED TO PURCHASE THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS.

(2) THE REPORT ALSO SHALL CONSIDER AND INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR EACH COUNTY TO DETERMINE THE PROGRAM'S EFFICIENCY:

(a) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES IN THE COUNTY;

(b) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES IN CURRENT AGRICULTURAL USE;

(c) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES PRESERVED FOR AGRICULTURAL USE IN THE PRECEDING YEAR;

(d) THE AVERAGE COST, PER ACRE, OF LAND PRESERVED FOR AGRICULTURAL USE IN THE PRECEDING YEAR.

Sec. 5301.67. As used in sections 5301.67 to 5301.70 of the Revised Code,:

(A) "conservation CONSERVATION easement" means an incorporeal right or interest in land that is held for the public purpose of retaining land, water, or wetland areas predominantly in their natural, scenic, open, or wooded condition, in agricultural, horticultural, silvicultural, or other farming or forest use INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE USE OF LAND IN AGRICULTURE WHEN CONSISTENT WITH AND IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PURPOSE OF RETAINING THOSE AREAS IN SUCH A CONDITION, or RETAINING THEIR USE PREDOMINANTLY as suitable habitat for fish, plants, or wildlife; that imposes any limitations on the use or development of the areas that are appropriate at the time of creation of the conservation easement to achieve one or more of such THOSE purposes; and that includes appropriate provisions for the holder to enter the property subject to the easement at reasonable times to ensure compliance with its provisions.

(B) "AGRICULTURE" MEANS THOSE ACTIVITIES OCCURRING ON LAND DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO AGRICULTURAL USE, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 5713.30 of the Revised Code.

(C) "AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT" MEANS AN INCORPOREAL RIGHT OR INTEREST IN LAND THAT IS HELD FOR THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF RETAINING THE USE OF LAND PREDOMINANTLY IN AGRICULTURE; THAT IMPOSES ANY LIMITATIONS ON THE USE OR DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAND THAT ARE APPROPRIATE AT THE TIME OF CREATION OF THE EASEMENT TO ACHIEVE THAT PURPOSE; THAT IS IN THE FORM OF ARTICLES OF DEDICATION, EASEMENT, COVENANT, RESTRICTION, OR CONDITION; AND THAT INCLUDES APPROPRIATE PROVISIONS FOR THE HOLDER TO ENTER THE PROPERTY SUBJECT TO THE EASEMENT AT REASONABLE TIMES TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH ITS PROVISIONS.

Sec. 5301.68. An owner of land may grant a conservation easement to the department of natural resources, a park district created under Chapter 1545. of the Revised Code, a township park district created under section 511.18 of the Revised Code, a conservancy district created under Chapter 6101. of the Revised Code, a soil and water conservation district created under Chapter 1515. of the Revised Code, a county, a township, a municipal corporation, or a charitable organization that is authorized to hold conservation easements by division (B) of section 5301.69 of the Revised Code, in the form of articles of dedication, easement, covenant, restriction, or condition. AN OWNER OF LAND ALSO MAY GRANT AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT TO THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE; TO A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, COUNTY, OR TOWNSHIP; OR TO A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (B) OF SECTION 5301.69 of the Revised Code. AN OWNER OF LAND MAY GRANT AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT ONLY ON LAND THAT IS VALUED FOR PURPOSES OF REAL PROPERTY TAXATION AT ITS CURRENT VALUE FOR AGRICULTURAL USE UNDER SECTION 5713.31 of the Revised Code WHEN THE EASEMENT IS GRANTED.

All conservation easements AND AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS shall be executed and recorded in the same manner as other instruments conveying interests in land.

Sec. 5301.69. (A) The director of natural resources, the board of park commissioners of a park district created under Chapter 1545. of the Revised Code, the board of park commissioners of a township park district created under section 511.18 of the Revised Code, the board of directors of a conservancy district created under Chapter 6101. of the Revised Code, the board of supervisors of a soil and water conservation district created under Chapter 1515. of the Revised Code, the board of county commissioners of a county, the board of township trustees of a township, or the legislative authority of a municipal corporation may acquire conservation easements in the name of the state, the district, or the county, township, or municipal corporation in the same manner as other interests in land may be acquired under section 307.02, 307.18, 505.10, 505.261, 511.23, 717.01, 1501.01, 1515.08, 1545.11, or 6101.15 of the Revised Code, and each. EACH officer, board, or authority acquiring a conservation easement shall name an appropriate administrative officer, department, or division to supervise and enforce the easement.

(B) A charitable organization may acquire and hold conservation easements if it is exempt from federal taxation under subsection 501(a) and is described in subsection 501(c) of the "Internal Revenue Code of 1954," 68A Stat. 3, 26 U.S.C. 1, as amended, and organized for any of the following purposes: the preservation of land areas for public outdoor recreation or education, or scenic enjoyment; the preservation of historically important land areas or structures; or the protection of natural environmental systems. SUCH A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION ALSO MAY ACQUIRE AND HOLD AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATION THAT IT MAY DO SO ONLY ON LAND THAT IS VALUED FOR PURPOSES OF REAL PROPERTY TAXATION AT ITS CURRENT VALUE FOR AGRICULTURAL USE UNDER SECTION 5713.31 of the Revised Code WHEN THE EASEMENT IS GRANTED.

Sec. 5301.691. (A)(1) SUBJECT TO DIVISIONS (A)(2) AND (E) OF THIS SECTION, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, WITH MONEYS CREDITED TO THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PURCHASE FUND CREATED IN SECTION 901.21 of the Revised Code, MAY PURCHASE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS IN THE NAME OF THE STATE.

(2) NOT LESS THAN THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACQUISITION OF AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT UNDER DIVISION (A)(1) OF THIS SECTION OR THE EXTINGUISHMENT OF SUCH AN EASEMENT PURCHASED UNDER THAT DIVISION, THE DIRECTOR SHALL PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE INTENTION TO DO SO TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE LAND THAT IS OR IS PROPOSED TO BE SUBJECT TO THE EASEMENT OR EXTINGUISHMENT IS LOCATED, AND EITHER TO THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OF THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION IN WHICH THE LAND IS LOCATED, IF IT IS LOCATED IN AN INCORPORATED AREA, OR TO THE BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES OF THE TOWNSHIP IN WHICH THE LAND IS LOCATED, IF IT IS LOCATED IN AN UNINCORPORATED AREA. IF, WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DIRECTOR PROVIDES THE NOTICE, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY, OR BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES REQUESTS AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING WITH THE DIRECTOR REGARDING THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OR EXTINGUISHMENT, THE DIRECTOR SHALL MEET WITH THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OR BOARD TO RESPOND TO THE BOARD'S OR AUTHORITY'S QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS. IF A MEETING IS TIMELY REQUESTED UNDER DIVISION (A)(2) OF THIS SECTION, THE DIRECTOR SHALL NOT UNDERTAKE THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OR EXTINGUISHMENT UNTIL AFTER THE MEETING HAS BEEN CONCLUDED.

THE DIRECTOR, UPON THE DIRECTOR'S OWN INITIATIVE AND PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE OF AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT UNDER DIVISION (A)(1) OF THIS SECTION OR THE EXTINGUISHMENT OF SUCH AN EASEMENT, MAY HOLD AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OF THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OR BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES IN WHICH LAND THAT WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OR EXTINGUISHMENT IS LOCATED, TO RESPOND TO ANY QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS OF THE BOARD OR AUTHORITY REGARDING THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OR EXTINGUISHMENT.

(B)(1) SUBJECT TO DIVISION (E) OF THIS SECTION, THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OF A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF A COUNTY, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF A TOWNSHIP, WITH MONEYS IN THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION'S GENERAL FUND NOT REQUIRED BY LAW OR CHARTER TO BE USED FOR OTHER SPECIFIED PURPOSES OR WITH MONEYS IN A SPECIAL FUND OF THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION TO BE USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS, MAY PURCHASE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS IN THE NAME OF THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, COUNTY, OR TOWNSHIP.

(2) SUBJECT TO DIVISION (E) OF THIS SECTION, THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OF A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF A COUNTY, OR BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES OF A TOWNSHIP MAY ACQUIRE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS BY GIFT, DEVISE, OR BEQUEST. ANY TERMS MAY BE INCLUDED IN AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT SO ACQUIRED THAT ARE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO PRESERVE ON BEHALF OF THE GRANTOR OF THE EASEMENT THE FAVORABLE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE GIFT, DEVISE, OR BEQUEST UNDER THE "INTERNAL REVENUE ACT OF 1986," 100 STAT. 2085, 26 U.S.C.A. 1, AS AMENDED.

(C)(1) THE TERM OF AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PURCHASED WHOLLY OR IN PART WITH MONEY FROM THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PURCHASE FUND SHALL BE PERPETUAL AND SHALL RUN WITH THE LAND.

(2) THE TERM OF AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PURCHASED BY SUCH A LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OR BOARD WITHOUT THE USE OF ANY MONEY FROM THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PURCHASE FUND MAY BE PERPETUAL OR FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD. THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT SHALL RUN WITH THE LAND. THE INSTRUMENT CONVEYING AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD SHALL INCLUDE PROVISIONS SPECIFYING, AT A MINIMUM, ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

(a) THE CONSIDERATION TO BE PAID FOR THE EASEMENT AND MANNER OF PAYMENT;

(b) WHETHER THE EASEMENT IS RENEWABLE AND, IF SO, PROCEDURES FOR ITS RENEWAL;

(c) THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE EASEMENT MAY BE EXTINGUISHED;

(d) THE METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY, IF ANY, DUE THE HOLDER OF THE EASEMENT UPON EXTINGUISHMENT AND FOR PAYMENT OF THAT AMOUNT TO THE HOLDER.

(D) THE DIRECTOR AND EACH LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OF A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, OR BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES, UPON ACQUIRING AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT BY PURCHASE, GIFT, DEVISE, OR BEQUEST UNDER THIS SECTION OR SECTION 901.21 OF THE REVISED CODE, SHALL NAME AN APPROPRIATE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, DEPARTMENT, OR DIVISION TO SUPERVISE AND ENFORCE THE EASEMENT. A LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OR BOARD MAY ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS OF A PARK DISTRICT ESTABLISHED UNDER CHAPTER 1545. OF THE REVISED CODE, THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS OF A TOWNSHIP PARK DISTRICT ESTABLISHED UNDER SECTION 511.18 OF THE REVISED CODE, OR THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF A SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ESTABLISHED UNDER CHAPTER 1515. OF THE REVISED CODE HAVING TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, COUNTY, OR TOWNSHIP, OR WITH A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (B) OF SECTION 5301.69 OF THE REVISED CODE, TO SUPERVISE ON BEHALF OF THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OR BOARD AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT SO ACQUIRED. THE CONTRACT MAY BE ENTERED INTO ON SUCH TERMS AS ARE AGREEABLE TO THE PARTIES AND SHALL SPECIFY OR PRESCRIBE A METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE AMOUNTS OF ANY PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BY THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OR BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OR TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTRACT.

(E) THE DIRECTOR; A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, COUNTY, OR TOWNSHIP; OR A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (B) OF SECTION 5301.69 of the Revised Code, MAY ACQUIRE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS BY PURCHASE, GIFT, DEVISE, OR BEQUEST ONLY ON LAND THAT IS VALUED FOR PURPOSES OF REAL PROPERTY TAXATION AT ITS CURRENT VALUE FOR AGRICULTURAL USE UNDER SECTION 5713.31 of the Revised Code WHEN THE EASEMENT IS GRANTED.

(F) AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT ACQUIRED BY THE DIRECTOR UNDER DIVISION (A) OF THIS SECTION MAY BE EXTINGUISHED IF AN UNEXPECTED CHANGE IN THE CONDITIONS OF OR SURROUNDING THE LAND THAT IS SUBJECT TO THE EASEMENT MAKES IMPOSSIBLE OR IMPRACTICAL THE CONTINUED USE OF THE LAND FOR THE PURPOSES DESCRIBED IN THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT, OR IF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE EASEMENT ARE EXTINGUISHED BY JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS. UPON THE SALE, EXCHANGE, OR INVOLUNTARY CONVERSION OF THE LAND SUBJECT TO THE EASEMENT, THE DIRECTOR SHALL BE PAID AN AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT IS AT LEAST EQUAL TO THE PROPORTIONATE VALUE OF THE EASEMENT COMPARED TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE LAND AT THE TIME THE EASEMENT WAS ACQUIRED. MONEYS SO RECEIVED SHALL BE CREDITED TO THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT PURCHASE FUND CREATED IN SECTION 901.21 OF THE REVISED CODE.

AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT ACQUIRED BY A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, COUNTY, OR TOWNSHIP UNDER DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION MAY BE EXTINGUISHED UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES PRESCRIBED, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH, IN THE INSTRUMENT CONVEYING THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT. AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT ACQUIRED BY A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (B) OF SECTION 5301.69 OF THE REVISED CODE MAY BE EXTINGUISHED UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES PRESCRIBED, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH, IN THE INSTRUMENT CONVEYING THE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT.

ANY INSTRUMENT EXTINGUISHING AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT SHALL BE EXECUTED AND RECORDED IN THE SAME MANNER AS OTHER INSTRUMENTS CONVEYING OR TERMINATING INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY.

(G) PROMPTLY AFTER THE RECORDING AND INDEXING OF AN INSTRUMENT CONVEYING AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT TO ANY PERSON OR TO A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, COUNTY, OR TOWNSHIP OR OF AN INSTRUMENT EXTINGUISHING AN AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT HELD BY ANY PERSON OR SUCH A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION, THE COUNTY RECORDER SHALL MAIL, BY REGULAR MAIL, A PHOTOCOPY OF THE INSTRUMENT TO THE OFFICE OF FARMLAND PRESERVATION IN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. THE PHOTOCOPY SHALL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN INVOICE FOR THE APPLICABLE FEE ESTABLISHED IN SECTION 317.32 OF THE REVISED CODE. PROMPTLY AFTER RECEIVING THE PHOTOCOPY AND INVOICE, THE OFFICE OF FARMLAND PRESERVATION SHALL REMIT THE FEE TO THE COUNTY RECORDER.

(H) THE DIRECTOR, THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OF A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, A BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, OR A BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES MAY RECEIVE AND EXPEND GRANTS FROM ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SOURCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURCHASING AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS AND SUPERVISING AND ENFORCING THEM.

Sec. 5301.692. THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OF A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF A COUNTY, OR BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES OF A TOWNSHIP, IN ADDITION TO THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY'S OR BOARD'S OTHER POWERS, MAY HOLD LAND OR INTERESTS IN LAND FOR THE PURPOSE OF RETAINING THE USE OF THE LAND PREDOMINANTLY IN AGRICULTURE. THE AUTHORITY AND BOARDS MAY DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO ACHIEVE THAT PURPOSE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PERFORMING ANY OF THE ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (A)(1) OR (2) OF SECTION 5713.30 OF THE REVISED CODE OR ENTERING INTO CONTRACTS TO LEASE OR RENT THE LAND OR INTERESTS IN LAND SO HELD TO PERSONS OR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES WHO WILL USE THE LAND PREDOMINANTLY IN AGRICULTURE.

Sec. 5705.19. This section does not apply to school districts or county school financing districts.

The taxing authority of any subdivision at any time and in any year, by vote of two-thirds of all the members of the taxing authority, may declare by resolution and certify the resolution to the board of elections not less than seventy-five days before the election upon which it will be voted that the amount of taxes that may be raised within the ten-mill limitation will be insufficient to provide for the necessary requirements of the subdivision and that it is necessary to levy a tax in excess of that limitation for any of the following purposes:

(A) For current expenses of the subdivision, except that the total levy for current expenses of a detention home district or district organized under section 2151.65 of the Revised Code shall not exceed two mills and that the total levy for current expenses of a combined district organized under sections 2151.34 and 2151.65 of the Revised Code shall not exceed four mills;

(B) For the payment of debt charges on certain described bonds, notes, or certificates of indebtedness of the subdivision issued subsequent to January 1, 1925;

(C) For the debt charges on all bonds, notes, and certificates of indebtedness issued and authorized to be issued prior to January 1, 1925;

(D) For a public library of, or supported by, the subdivision under whatever law organized or authorized to be supported;

(E) For a municipal university, not to exceed two mills over the limitation of one mill prescribed in section 3349.13 of the Revised Code;

(F) For the construction or acquisition of any specific permanent improvement or class of improvements that the taxing authority of the subdivision may include in a single bond issue;

(G) For the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges in municipal corporations, counties, or townships;

(H) For recreational purposes;

(I) For the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, appliances, buildings, or sites therefor, or sources of water supply and materials therefor, or the establishment and maintenance of lines of fire alarm telegraph, or the payment of permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighters or fire-fighting companies to operate the same, including the payment of the firefighters employer's contribution required under section 742.34 of the Revised Code, or to purchase ambulance equipment, or to provide ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or fire-fighting company;

(J) For the purpose of providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, and other equipment used directly in the operation of a police department, or the payment of salaries of permanent police personnel, including the payment of the police employer's contribution required under section 742.33 of the Revised Code, or the payment of the costs incurred by townships as a result of contracts made with other political subdivisions in order to obtain police protection, or to provide ambulance or emergency medical services operated by a police department;

(K) For the maintenance and operation of a county home;

(L) For community mental retardation and developmental disabilities programs and services pursuant to Chapter 5126. of the Revised Code, except that the procedure for such levies shall be as provided in section 5705.222 of the Revised Code;

(M) For regional planning;

(N) For a county's share of the cost of maintaining and operating schools, district detention homes, forestry camps, or other facilities, or any combination thereof established under section 2151.34 or 2151.65 of the Revised Code or both of those sections;

(O) For providing for flood defense, providing and maintaining a flood wall or pumps, and other purposes to prevent floods;

(P) For maintaining and operating sewage disposal plants and facilities;

(Q) For the purpose of purchasing, acquiring, constructing, enlarging, improving, equipping, repairing, maintaining, or operating, or any combination of the foregoing, a county transit system pursuant to sections 306.01 to 306.13 of the Revised Code, or to make any payment to a board of county commissioners operating a transit system or a county transit board pursuant to section 306.06 of the Revised Code;

(R) For the subdivision's share of the cost of acquiring or constructing any schools, forestry camps, detention homes, or other facilities, or any combination thereof under section 2151.34 or 2151.65 of the Revised Code or both of those sections;

(S) For the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution;

(T) For maintaining and operating cemeteries;

(U) For providing ambulance service, emergency medical service, or both;

(V) For providing for the collection and disposal of garbage or refuse;

(W) For the payment of the police employer's contribution or the firefighters employer's contribution required under sections 742.33 and 742.34 of the Revised Code;

(X) For the construction and maintenance of a drainage improvement pursuant to section 6131.52 of the Revised Code;

(Y) For providing or maintaining senior citizens services or facilities as authorized by section 307.694, 307.85, 505.70, 505.706, or division (EE) of section 717.01 of the Revised Code;

(Z) For the provision and maintenance of zoological park services and facilities as authorized under section 307.76 of the Revised Code;

(AA) For the maintenance and operation of a free public museum of art, science, or history;

(BB) For the establishment and operation of a 9-1-1 system, as defined in section 4931.40 of the Revised Code;

(CC) For the purpose of acquiring, rehabilitating, or developing rail property or rail service. As used in this division, "rail property" and "rail service" have the same meanings as in section 4981.01 of the Revised Code. This division applies only to a county, township, or municipal corporation.

(DD) For the purpose of acquiring property for, constructing, operating, and maintaining community centers as provided for in section 755.16 of the Revised Code;

(EE) For the creation and operation of an office or joint office of economic development, for any economic development purpose of the office, and to otherwise provide for the establishment and operation of a program of economic development pursuant to sections 307.07 and 307.64 of the Revised Code;

(FF) For the purpose of acquiring, establishing, constructing, improving, equipping, maintaining, or operating, or any combination of the foregoing, a township airport, landing field, or other air navigation facility pursuant to section 505.15 of the Revised Code;

(GG) For the payment of costs incurred by a township as a result of a contract made with a county pursuant to section 505.263 of the Revised Code in order to pay all or any part of the cost of constructing, maintaining, repairing, or operating a water supply improvement;

(HH) For a board of township trustees to acquire, other than by appropriation, an ownership interest in land, water, or wetlands, or to restore or maintain land, water, or wetlands in which the board has such an interest, not for purposes of recreation, but for the purposes of protecting and preserving the natural, scenic, open, or wooded condition of the land, water, or wetlands against modification or encroachment resulting from occupation, development, or other use, which may be styled as protecting or preserving "greenspace" in the resolution, notice of election, or ballot form;

(II) For the support by a county of a crime victim assistance program that is provided and maintained by a county agency or a private, nonprofit corporation or association under section 307.62 of the Revised Code;

(JJ) For any or all of the purposes set forth in divisions (I) and (J) of this section. This division applies only to a township.

(KK) For a countywide public safety communications system under section 307.63 of the Revised Code. This division applies only to counties.

(LL) For the support by a county of criminal justice services under section 307.45 of the Revised Code;

(MM) For the purpose of maintaining and operating a jail or other detention facility as defined in section 2921.01 of the Revised Code;

(NN) For purchasing, maintaining, or improving, or any combination of the foregoing, real estate on which to hold agricultural fairs. This division applies only to a county.

(OO) For constructing, rehabilitating, repairing, or maintaining sidewalks, walkways, trails, bicycle pathways, or similar improvements, or acquiring ownership interests in land necessary for the foregoing improvements, by a board of township trustees;

(PP) For both of the purposes set forth in divisions (G) and (OO) of this section. This division applies only to a township.

(QQ) FOR THE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY OF A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF A COUNTY, OR BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES OF A TOWNSHIP TO ACQUIRE AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 5301.67 OF THE REVISED CODE, AND TO SUPERVISE AND ENFORCE THE EASEMENTS.

The resolution shall be confined to the purpose or purposes described in one division of this section, to which the revenue derived therefrom shall be applied. The existence in any other division of this section of authority to levy a tax for any part or all of the same purpose or purposes does not preclude the use of such revenues for any part of the purpose or purposes of the division under which the resolution is adopted.

The resolution shall specify the amount of the increase in rate that it is necessary to levy, the purpose thereof, and the number of years during which the increase in rate shall be in effect, which may or may not include a levy upon the duplicate of the current year. The number of years may be any number not exceeding five, except as follows:

(1) When the additional rate is for the payment of debt charges, the increased rate shall be for the life of the indebtedness.

(2) When the additional rate is for any of the following, the increased rate shall be for a continuing period of time:

(a) For the current expenses for a detention home district, a district organized under section 2151.65 of the Revised Code, or a combined district organized under sections 2151.34 and 2151.65 of the Revised Code;

(b) For providing a county's share of the cost of maintaining and operating schools, district detention homes, forestry camps, or other facilities, or any combination thereof, established under section 2151.34 or 2151.65 of the Revised Code or under both of those sections.

(3) When the additional rate is for any of the following, the increased rate may be for a continuing period of time:

(a) For the purposes set forth in division (I), (J), (U), or (KK) of this section;

(b) For the maintenance and operation of a joint recreation district;

(c) A levy imposed by a township for the purposes set forth in division (G) of this section.

(4) When the increase is for the purpose set forth in division (D) or (CC) of this section or for both of the purposes set forth in divisions (G) and (OO) of this section, the tax levy may be for any specified number of years or for a continuing period of time, as set forth in the resolution.

(5) When the additional rate is for the purpose described in division (Z) of this section, the increased rate shall be for any number of years not exceeding ten.

A levy for the purposes set forth in division (I), (J), or (U) of this section, and a levy imposed by a township for the purposes set forth in division (G) of this section, may be reduced pursuant to section 5705.261 or 5705.31 of the Revised Code. A levy for the purposes set forth in division (I), (J), or (U) of this section, and a levy imposed by a township for the purposes set forth in division (G) of this section, may also be terminated or permanently reduced by the taxing authority if it adopts a resolution stating that the continuance of the levy is unnecessary and the levy shall be terminated or that the millage is excessive and the levy shall be decreased by a designated amount.

A resolution of a detention home district, a district organized under section 2151.65 of the Revised Code, or a combined district organized under both sections 2151.34 and 2151.65 of the Revised Code may include both current expenses and other purposes, provided that the resolution shall apportion the annual rate of levy between the current expenses and other purpose or purposes. The apportionment need not be the same for each year of the levy, but the respective portions of the rate actually levied each year for the current expenses and the other purpose or purposes shall be limited by the apportionment.

Whenever a board of county commissioners, acting either as the taxing authority of its county or as the taxing authority of a sewer district or subdistrict created under Chapter 6117. of the Revised Code, by resolution declares it necessary to levy a tax in excess of the ten-mill limitation for the purpose of constructing, improving, or extending sewage disposal plants or sewage systems, the tax may be in effect for any number of years not exceeding twenty, and the proceeds thereof, notwithstanding the general provisions of this section, may be used to pay debt charges on any obligations issued and outstanding on behalf of the subdivision for the purposes enumerated in this paragraph, provided that any such obligations have been specifically described in the resolution.

The resolution shall go into immediate effect upon its passage, and no publication of the resolution is necessary other than that provided for in the notice of election.

When the electors of a subdivision have approved a tax levy under this section, the taxing authority of the subdivision may anticipate a fraction of the proceeds of the levy and issue anticipation notes in accordance with section 5705.191 or 5705.193 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 5739.026. (A) A board of county commissioners may levy a tax of one-fourth or one-half of one per cent on every retail sale in the county, except sales of watercraft and outboard motors required to be titled pursuant to Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code and sales of motor vehicles, and may increase an existing rate of one-fourth of one per cent to one-half of one per cent, to pay the expenses of administering the tax and, except as provided in division (A)(6) of this section, for any one or more of the following purposes:

(1) To provide additional revenues for the payment of bonds or notes issued in anticipation of bonds issued by a convention facilities authority established by the board of county commissioners under Chapter 351. of the Revised Code and to provide additional operating revenues for the convention facilities authority;

(2) To provide additional revenues for a transit authority operating in the county;

(3) To provide additional revenue for the county's general fund;

(4) To provide additional revenue for permanent improvements within the county to be distributed by the community improvements board in accordance with section 307.283 and to pay principal, interest, and premium on bonds issued under section 133.312 307.284 of the Revised Code;

(5) To provide additional revenue for the acquisition, construction, equipping, or repair of any specific permanent improvement or any class or group of permanent improvements, which improvement or class or group of improvements shall be enumerated in the resolution required by division (D) of this section, and to pay principal, interest, premium, and other costs associated with the issuance of bonds or notes in anticipation of bonds issued pursuant to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code for the acquisition, construction, equipping, or repair of the specific permanent improvement or class or group of permanent improvements;

(6) To provide revenue for the implementation and operation of a 9-1-1 system in the county. If the tax is levied or the rate increased exclusively for such purpose, the tax shall not be levied or the rate increased for more than five years. At the end of the last year the tax is levied or the rate increased, any balance remaining in the special fund established for such purpose shall remain in that fund and be used exclusively for such purpose until the fund is completely expended, and, notwithstanding section 5705.16 of the Revised Code, the board of county commissioners shall not petition for the transfer of money from such special fund, and the tax commissioner shall not approve such a petition.

If the tax is levied or the rate increased for such purpose for more than five years, the board of county commissioners also shall levy the tax or increase the rate of the tax for one or more of the purposes described in divisions (A)(1) to (5) of this section and shall prescribe the method for allocating the revenues from the tax each year in the manner required by division (C) of this section.

(7) To provide additional revenue for the operation or maintenance of a detention facility, as that term is defined under division (F) of section 2921.01 of the Revised Code;

(8) To provide revenue to finance the construction or renovation of a sports facility, but only if the tax is levied for that purpose in the manner prescribed by section 5739.028 of the Revised Code.

As used in division (A)(8) of this section:

(a) "Sports facility" means a facility intended to house major league professional athletic teams.

(b) "Constructing" or "construction" includes providing fixtures, furnishings, and equipment.

(9) TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 5301.67 OF THE REVISED CODE; TO PAY PRINCIPAL, INTEREST, AND PREMIUM ON BONDS ISSUED UNDER SECTION 133.60 OF THE REVISED CODE; AND FOR THE SUPERVISION AND ENFORCEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EASEMENTS HELD BY THE COUNTY.

Pursuant to section 755.171 of the Revised Code, a board of county commissioners may pledge and contribute revenue from a tax levied for the purpose of division (A)(5) of this section to the payment of debt charges on bonds issued under section 755.17 of the Revised Code.

The rate of tax shall be a multiple of one-fourth of one per cent, unless a portion of the rate of an existing tax levied under section 5739.023 of the Revised Code has been reduced, and the rate of tax levied under this section has been increased, pursuant to section 5739.028 of the revised code REVISED CODE, in which case the aggregate of the rates of tax levied under this section and section 5739.023 of the Revised Code shall be a multiple of one-fourth of one per cent. The tax shall be levied and the rate increased pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the members of the board.

Prior to the adoption of any resolution to levy the tax or to increase the rate of tax exclusively for the purpose set forth in division (A)(3) of this section, the board of county commissioners shall conduct two public hearings on the resolution, the second hearing to be no fewer than three nor more than ten days after the first. Notice of the date, time, and place of the hearings shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week on the same day of the week for two consecutive weeks, the second publication being no fewer than ten nor more than thirty days prior to the first hearing. The resolution shall become effective on the first day of the month specified in the resolution but not earlier than the first day of the month following the expiration of sixty days from the date of its adoption, subject to a referendum as provided in sections 305.31 to 305.41 of the Revised Code, unless the resolution is adopted as an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, in which case it shall go into effect on the first day of the month following the expiration of thirty days from the date of notice by the board of county commissioners to the tax commissioner of its adoption. The emergency measure shall receive an affirmative vote of all of the members of the board of county commissioners and shall state the reasons for the necessity.

If the tax is for more than one of the purposes set forth in division DIVISIONS (A)(1) to (7) AND (9) of this section or is exclusively for one of the purposes set forth in division (A)(1), (2), (4), (5), (6), or (7), OR (9) of this section, the resolution shall not go into effect unless it is approved by a majority of the electors voting on the question of the tax.

(B) The board of county commissioners shall adopt a resolution under section 351.02 of the Revised Code creating the convention facilities authority, or under section 307.283 of the Revised Code creating the community improvements board, before adopting a resolution levying a tax for the purpose of a convention facilities authority under division (A)(1) of this section or for the purpose of a community improvements board under division (A)(4) of this section.

(C)(1) If the tax is to be used for more than one of the purposes set forth in divisions (A)(1) to (7) AND (9) of this section, the board of county commissioners shall establish the method that will be used to determine the amount or proportion of the tax revenue received by the county during each year that will be distributed for each of those purposes, including, if applicable, provisions governing the reallocation of a convention facilities authority's allocation if the authority is dissolved while the tax is in effect. The allocation method may provide that different proportions or amounts of the tax shall be distributed among the purposes in different years, but it shall clearly describe the method that will be used for each year. Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(2) of this section, the allocation method established by the board is not subject to amendment during the life of the tax.

(2) Subsequent to holding a public hearing on the proposed amendment, the board of county commissioners may amend the allocation method established under division (C)(1) of this section for any year if the amendment is approved by the governing board of each entity whose allocation for the year would be reduced by the proposed amendment. In the case of a tax that is levied for a continuing period of time, the board may not so amend the allocation method for any year before the sixth year that the tax is in effect.

(a) If the additional revenues provided to the convention facilities authority are pledged by the authority for the payment of convention facilities authority revenue bonds for as long as such bonds are outstanding, no reduction of the authority's allocation of the tax shall be made for any year except to the extent that the reduced authority allocation, when combined with the authority's other revenues pledged for that purpose, is sufficient to meet the debt service requirements for that year on such bonds.

(b) If the additional revenues provided to the county are pledged by the county for the payment of bonds or notes issued under Chapter 133. of the Revised Code DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (A)(4) OR (5) OF THIS SECTION, for as long as such bonds or notes are outstanding, no reduction of the county's or the community improvements board's allocation of the tax shall be made for any year except to the extent that the reduced county or community improvements board allocation is sufficient to meet the debt service requirements for that year on such bonds or notes.

(c) If the additional revenues provided to the transit authority are pledged by the authority for the payment of revenue bonds issued under section 306.37 of the Revised Code, for as long as such bonds are outstanding, no reduction of the authority's allocation of tax shall be made for any year except to the extent that the authority's reduced allocation, when combined with the authority's other revenues pledged for that purpose, is sufficient to meet the debt service requirements for that year on such bonds.

(d) IF THE ADDITIONAL REVENUES PROVIDED TO THE COUNTY ARE PLEDGED BY THE COUNTY FOR THE PAYMENT OF BONDS OR NOTES ISSUED UNDER SECTION 133.60 OF THE REVISED CODE, FOR SO LONG AS THE BONDS OR NOTES ARE OUTSTANDING, NO REDUCTION OF THE COUNTY'S ALLOCATION OF THE TAX SHALL BE MADE FOR ANY YEAR EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE REDUCED COUNTY ALLOCATION IS SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE DEBT SERVICE REQUIREMENTS FOR THAT YEAR ON THE BONDS OR NOTES.

(D)(1) The resolution levying the tax or increasing the rate of tax shall state the rate of the tax or the rate of the increase; the purpose or purposes for which it is to be levied; the number of years for which it is to be levied or that it is for a continuing period of time; the allocation method required by division (C) of this section; and if required to be submitted to the electors of the county under division (A) of this section, the date of the election at which the proposal shall be submitted to the electors of the county, which shall be not less than seventy-five days after the certification of a copy of the resolution to the board of elections and, if the tax is to be levied exclusively for the purpose set forth in division (A)(3) of this section, shall not occur in February or August of any year. Upon certification of the resolution to the board of elections, the board of county commissioners shall notify the tax commissioner in writing of the levy question to be submitted to the electors. If approved by a majority of the electors, the tax shall become effective on the first day of the month specified in the resolution but not earlier than the first day of the month next following the thirtieth day following the certification of the results of the election to the board of county commissioners and the tax commissioner by the board of elections.

(2)(a) A resolution specifying that the tax is to be used exclusively for the purpose set forth in division (A)(3) of this section that is not adopted as an emergency measure may direct the board of elections to submit the question of levying the tax or increasing the rate of the tax to the electors of the county at a special election held on the date specified by the board of county commissioners in the resolution, provided that the election occurs not less than seventy-five days after the resolution is certified to the board of elections and the election is not held in February or August of any year. Upon certification of the resolution to the board of elections, the board of county commissioners shall notify the tax commissioner in writing of the levy question to be submitted to the electors. No resolution adopted under division (D)(2)(a) of this section shall go into effect unless approved by a majority of those voting upon it and not until the first day of the month specified in the resolution but not earlier than the first day of the month following the expiration of thirty days from the date of the notice to the tax commissioner by the board of elections of the affirmative vote.

(b) A resolution specifying that the tax is to be used exclusively for the purpose set forth in division (A)(3) of this section that is adopted as an emergency measure shall become effective as provided in division (A) of this section but may direct the board of elections to submit the question of repealing the tax or increase in the rate of the tax to the electors of the county at the next general election in the county occurring not less than seventy-five days after the resolution is certified to the board of elections. Upon certification of the resolution to the board of elections, the board of county commissioners shall notify the tax commissioner in writing of the levy question to be submitted to the electors. The ballot question shall be the same as that prescribed in section 5739.022 of the Revised Code. The board of elections shall notify the board of county commissioners and the tax commissioner of the result of the election immediately after the result has been declared. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on the question of repealing the tax or increase in the rate of the tax vote for repeal of the tax or repeal of the increase, the board of county commissioners, on the first day of the month following the expiration of thirty days after the date it received notice of the result of the election, shall, in the case of a repeal of the tax, cease to levy the tax, or, in the case of a repeal of an increase in the rate of the tax, cease to levy the increased rate and levy the tax at the rate at which it was imposed immediately prior to the increase in rate.

(E) The tax levied pursuant to this section shall be in addition to the tax levied by section 5739.02 of the Revised Code and any tax levied pursuant to section 5739.021 or 5739.023 of the Revised Code.

A county that levies a tax pursuant to this section shall levy a tax at the same rate pursuant to section 5741.023 of the Revised Code.

The additional tax levied by the county shall be collected pursuant to section 5739.025 of the Revised Code.

Any tax levied pursuant to this section is subject to the exemptions provided in section 5739.02 of the Revised Code and in addition shall not be applicable to sales not within the taxing power of a county under the constitution CONSTITUTION of the United States or the constitution of this state OHIO CONSTITUTION.


Section 2. That existing sections 133.07, 317.08, 317.32, 5301.67, 5301.68, 5301.69, 5705.19, and 5739.026 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.


Section 3. Section 133.07 of the Revised Code is presented in this act as a composite of the section as amended by both Am. Sub. H.B. 627 and Am. S.B. 61 of the 121st General Assembly, with the new language of neither of the acts shown in capital letters. This is in recognition of the principle stated in division (B) of section 1.52 of the Revised Code that such amendments are to be harmonized where not substantively irreconcilable and constitutes a legislative finding that such is the resulting version in effect prior to the effective date of this act.
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