Trustee Training
Ohio township trustee training opportunities.
If you are recently elected or have faithfully served your township for many years, all trustees will benefit from the training in this category.
Please be sure to frequent this page for dates of upcoming training.
What is continuing education? Why should I do it?
Continuing education is a vital part of any leader's efforts to be effective in their position. As elected officials, you are tasked to steward tax-payer dollars and serve the interests of the people when the laws are constantly changing.
What continuing education is required?
There are different requirements depending on your position. Each elected official (trustees and fiscal officer) is required to complete public records training for each term held in office. Fiscal officers must also complete 24 or 12 hours of additional training depending on if they are newly elected or re-elected.
What is public records training?
All officials elected to statewide or local office are required to receive three (3) hours of certified public records training for each term of office. The training is designed to enhance the elected officials’ knowledge of the duty to provide access to public records. This training is provided at no cost by the Attorney General or Auditor of State. (R.C. §149.43(E)(1))
What is ethics training?
Fiscal officers are required to complete two hours of ethics training per term of office per the Fiscal Officer Integrity Act (FIA). While trustees are not required to take ethics training, the OTA encourages all township officials and employees take the training.
What is the Fiscal Integrity Act (FIA)?
Pursuant to R.C. §507.12, a newly elected or appointed township fiscal officer shall complete 24 hours of continuing education during their first term in office. At least six (6) hours of the 24 hours of education shall occur before or during the first year of office. A township fiscal officer who is elected to a subsequent term of office shall complete 12 hours of continuing education courses in each subsequent term of office. Appointed fiscal officers training hours will be based on the amount of time left in the unexpired term.
A newly elected or appointed fiscal officer who participates in the Auditor of State’s training program under R.C. §117.44 may apply those hours taken to the six hours of initial education programs required.
Additionally, fiscal officers may apply the hours taken for public records training and any training certified by the Treasurer of State as part of the Center for Public Investment Management (CPIM) program.
Learn more about FIA here.
How do I report FIA credit?
Fiscal Integrity Act (FIA) credit is given by the Ohio Auditor of State for continuing education courses. To receive FIA credit from the Auditor of State, you must self-report your training hours by logging onto the Auditor of State's Fiscal Integrity Portal.
What is Center for Public Investment Management (CPIM) credit?
As outlined in Ohio Revised Code 135.22, any person who makes decisions regarding the deposit or investment of moneys of a subdivision must comply with the Center for Public Investment Management (CPIM) training requirement. Complying with CPIM requires a person to earn six (6) hours of CPIM training and pay an annual $100 CPIM fee.
To receive CPIM credit from the Treasurer of State, you must self-report your training hours on the new CPIM Certificate of Hours form and email it to the Treasurer's office by the deadline listed for each webinar. Unlike previous years, there is no passcode needed to self-report.
Learn more about CPIM here.
Upcoming Workshops:
Procurement of Architects, Engineers, and Contractors: A Primer for Beginners
April 20, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Trustees
Speaker: Bill Cook, The Thrasher Group
Description: Selecting the right architect, engineer, and contractor for your capital project can be a daunting process. This overview will provide useful and informative information, as well as some do’s and don’ts, which can help the process move more smoothly and result in a better project from the very beginning.
Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Engaging With Your Legislators
May 18, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Trustees
Moderator: Kyle A. Brooks, Ohio Township Association
Description: Has your legislator visited your township? Have you spoken to your representatives about the issues concerning your area or townships in general? This presentation will look at general strategies to build a relationship with your elected officials and familiarize them with township issues. Learn ways to get elected officials to visit your township and make lasting impressions.
Price: Free
Data Centers: Balancing Growth, Infrastructure, and Community Impact
June 15, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Trustees
Moderator: Pete Griggs, Brosius, Johnson & Griggs, LLC
Description: Data centers are rapidly expanding into townships across the country, bringing new tax revenue and digital infrastructure, but also raising important questions about power use, water consumption, land development, and long-term community value. In this webinar, we’ll break down why data centers are suddenly in high demand, what’s driving their location decisions, and how local leaders and residents can evaluate the trade-offs. From economic benefits to environmental concerns, you’ll gain a clear, practical understanding of what these projects mean for your township, and how to make informed decisions moving forward.
Price: Free
Building Better Township Websites: An Introduction to the Ohio Township Website Program
July 13, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Trustees
Moderator: Kyle Shumaker, Shumaker Technology Group
Description: Join us for an informational session on the Ohio Township Website Program to learn how your township can create or upgrade a professional, secure, and legally compliant website. Whether you don’t have a website or haven’t updated it in years, this program is designed to remove barriers and make a modern web presence easy and affordable, regardless of your township’s size, staffing, or technical expertise.
Price: Free
Save The Date
- August 6, 2026 - OTA Golf Outing
- August 17, 2026 - Trustee Webinar
- September 14, 2026 - Trustee Webinar
- October 19, 2026 - Trustee Webinar
- November 16, 2026 - Trustee Webinar
- December 14, 2026 - Trustee Webinar
- February 10-12, 2027 - OTA Winter Conference
Dates are subject to change. Please check this page closer to the event for the most updated information. For any questions, please contact Michael Zaky.