Training Opportunities
Training opportunities covering a variety of topics important to Ohio townships.
OTA Educational Workshops
The OTA is committed to providing resources and training opportunities that cover topics of general importance and broad interest to Ohio townships. In March 2022, the OTA began hosting monthly workshops to further educate township officials and employees on pertinent subjects.
Please visit this page regularly for updates on upcoming trainings.
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 Training Opportunities
Click on the buttons inside the tabbed menu to view:
September Trainings
Understanding Township Revenue Sources
September 15, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Trustee
Speaker: Heidi M. Fought, Ohio Township Association
Description: Dive into property taxes, grants, and other revenue streams that fund township operations. This webinar will highlight opportunities for increasing revenue while maintaining public trust.
Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Sponsored By
Mediating Zoning Disputes
September 16, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Zoning Inspectors Group
Speaker: Brosius, Johnson & Griggs
Description: Zoning disputes can be contentious, but they don’t have to derail progress. This webinar will provide practical strategies for mediating disputes between property owners, developers, and township officials, aiming for resolutions that satisfy all parties.
Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Township's AI Journey: How Leaders Find the Next Right Step
September 17, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: General Township
Speaker: Sabrina Donley, CybrCastle
Description: AI holds real promise for townships, but the AI noise is overwhelming. Endless AI tools in your newsfeed and countless conference keynotes on “you must do AI responsibly” without clarity on how. But doing nothing has its own risks: missing out on major efficiencies or discovering staff are already using AI without oversight, increasing liability. Many township leaders are left wondering: How do I lead our township’s AI journey wisely?
Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Sponsored By
Public Meeting Best Practices for Administrators
September 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Track: OTAN
Speakers: Vicky Earhart, Anderson Twp./Hamilton Co.; Molly Mohrfield, Anderson Twp./Hamilton Co.
Description: Understand how to prepare for and facilitate productive public meetings. Topics include agenda creation, managing discussions, and ensuring compliance with Ohio’s Sunshine Laws.
Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Collaborating with Trustees on Financial Problems
September 19, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Fiscal Officer
Speaker: TBD
Description: Build strong relationships with trustees to align financial decisions with township priorities. This webinar will provide communication strategies and techniques for collaboration.
Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
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.
Webinar Archive
Click below to view a catalogue of past webinars available to view in our Resource Center.