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 be sure to frequent this page for dates for 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 by logging onto the Treasurer of State's MyCPIM website.
Learn more about CPIM here.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Click on the buttons inside the tabbed menu to view:
March Trainings
Preserving and Protecting Ohio Cemeteries
March 17, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Trustee
Speaker: Krista Horrocks, Ohio History Connection
Description: Krista Horrocks, Department Manager of Education & Support Services and cemetery preservationist with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Ohio History Connection, will discuss how cemeteries are defined in Ohio Revised Code (with specifics in township regulations), how to research, document, and preserve historic cemeteries, and what grant opportunities are out there for township-owned and managed cemeteries.
Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Zoning Roundtable
March 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Zoning Inspectors Group
Moderator: Michael Zaky, Ohio Township Association
Description: Join your peers in an interactive roundtable discussion designed specifically for township zoning personnel. Roundtables provide an opportunity to share experiences, explore solutions, and discuss emerging trends in zoning and land use.
Price: Free
Ohio Environmental Education Fund: Enhancing Ohio Citizens' Awareness
March 19, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: General Township
Speaker: Dan Sowry, Ohio EPA
Description: Explore how the Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) is fostering environmental literacy and empowering communities to take action. Attendees will receive an overview of OEEF grant opportunities and highlight successful projects that have increased environmental awareness and stewardship across the state.
Price: Free
Website Audit Checklist
March 20, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Track: OTAN
Speaker: Skylar Saba, Groove Street Collaborative; Callie Saba, Groove Street Creative
Description: Is your township’s website working as hard as it could to serve your community? Walk through a comprehensive website audit checklist to ensure your online presence is effective, accessible, and engaging. From design and branding to compliance and marketing strategy, you’ll learn how to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices for a user-friendly and impactful website.
Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Fiscal Officer Roundtable
March 21, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Track: Fiscal Officer
Moderator: Michael Zaky, Ohio Township Association
Description: This roundtable session is designed exclusively for township fiscal officers to share insights, challenges, and best practices in managing township finances. From budgeting and compliance to audits and payroll, roundtables provide a collaborative space to address the unique responsibilities and complexities of the fiscal officer role.
Price: Free
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.