Put-in-Bay Annexation Expands Village Participation

A coordinated effort over the past year to annex 15 properties, totaling approximately 12 acres, into the Village of Put-in-Bay will be finalized on October 4th, 2026.

The annexation represents an important step in expanding participation in Village government. By bringing these properties into the Village, the number of residents who can participate in Village elections will grow. It is estimated that the pool of residents who could ultimately be eligible to serve in Village government will increase by approximately 8 percent, providing additional opportunities for island residents to become involved in local leadership.

Under Ohio law, residents of annexed property become residents of the municipality and receive the same rights and privileges of municipal residency as those living within the Village’s existing boundaries. This means residents of the newly annexed properties will be able to participate in Village elections and have a direct voice in choosing the mayor and members of Village Council.

The change is particularly significant in a community the size of Put-in-Bay. While adding 15 properties and approximately 12 acres might not sound substantial in a larger municipality, even a relatively small increase in the number of eligible voters can make a noticeable difference in a small Village.

Ohio law requires a candidate for Village Council to be an elector of the Village and to have resided within the Village for at least one year immediately preceding the election. Once the residency requirement is met, residents of the newly annexed properties could therefore become candidates for Village Council in addition to voting in Village elections.

Importantly, the properties annexed into the Village remain part of Put-in-Bay Township. As a result, the newly annexed residents will gain the ability to participate in Village elections while retaining their participation in Township government. Prior to annexation, these residents could vote for Township candidates but could not participate in Village elections.

The Village and Township are separate political subdivisions with different responsibilities, but annexed residents can be part of both. Their properties are within the Village boundaries for municipal purposes while also remaining within Put-in-Bay Township.

There are financial benefits for property owners as well. Properties located within the Village receive Village water and sewer service at a lower rate than properties located outside Village limits. For properties already using those services, becoming part of the Village can therefore provide a direct financial benefit in addition to the increased opportunity for participation in local government.

Annexation also brings the properties fully within the Village for municipal purposes. Under Ohio law, residents of annexed territory receive the rights and privileges of Village residents and are also subject to the powers of the municipality, just like residents within the Village’s previous boundaries.

For a small community like Put-in-Bay, the significance of the annexation goes beyond adding approximately 12 acres to a map. It means more island residents will have an opportunity to vote in Village elections, become involved in Village issues and, once they meet the applicable requirements, potentially serve in elected Village government.

The addition of these properties also provides an opportunity for other property owners near the Village boundaries to consider whether annexation makes sense for them. The combination of lower Village water and sewer rates and the ability to participate directly in Village government may make annexation attractive to other nearby property owners.

Property owners located near the Village who are interested in learning more about annexing their property into the Village of Put-in-Bay are encouraged to contact Kim Morrison at kim@frostys.com or Laura Fogg at laurafogg@fogg.com.