Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS

Here you will find the answers to our most common questions. Please contact citizensresearchgroup@yahoo.com for further assistance.

1. Why is the Citizens Research Group (CRG) studying government restructuring?

The CRG is a non-profit group of residents who want to improve how the government works on the Bass Islands. They initiated the study to address:

  • Service duplication and inefficiencies
  • Inability for all SBI residents to vote for and/or serve as village council and mayor
  • Confusion over regulations and jurisdiction
  • Concerns about long-term sustainability; the goal is to determine if restructuring can enhance representation, streamline services, and better serve residents and businesses.
2. What is the main recommendation of the study?

The study recommends a Type II Expedited Annexation of portions of South Bass Island into the Village of Put-in-Bay, while leaving Township boundaries intact. This gradual approach allows willing property owners to join the Village, allowing greater representation, without forcing changes on those who oppose it.

3. What are the benefits of this approach?
  • The Village gains new residents, voters and potential leaders.
  • More residents of SBI could vote for village council and mayor, eventually perhaps all residents of SBI.
  • The Township retains much of its tax base and identity.
  • It avoids major financial or legal disruptions.
  • Incremental change allows for adjustments over time.
4. Will my taxes go up if my property is annexed into the Village?

The study indicates that a tax increase, if any, will be very minor and typically offset by better service delivery and infrastructure investments.

5. Can the Township continue to provide services like Fire and EMS after annexation?

Yes. The study recommends that the Village and Township negotiate shared service agreements, particularly for:

  • Fire, EMS and Police
  • Cemetery maintenance
  • Road services: This helps ensure continuity of service across the island while balancing costs and responsibilities.
6. How will annexation affect zoning and land use?

Annexed properties will be subject to Village zoning regulations, which are typically more structured and enforceable than township rules.

7. What happens to the Township if annexation occurs?

The Township would:

  • Lose some tax revenue from annexed properties but they would also provide less services to these properties.
  • Retain governance over the upper islands and remaining South Bass territory.
  • Focus on its remaining responsibilities.  Annexation will not dissolve the Township; it simply shifts governance of some areas to the Village.
8. Can residents vote on annexation?

No. Under the Type II Expedited Annexation process, residents do not vote directly on annexation.  In this method:

  • Property owners must initiate the annexation.
  • The County Commissioners must approve the petition if legal requirements are met. This process is quicker and avoids political gridlock while still respecting property rights.
9. What if I don’t want my property annexed?

You cannot be annexed without your consent. The Type II Expedited Annexation process requires that all property owners in the petition area agree. This makes annexation a voluntary and property-owner-driven process.

10. Will this impact the ability of Middle Bass and North Bass to receive services?

Potentially. If too much of South Bass Island is annexed and tax revenue shifts away from the Township, it could limit the Township’s ability to fund services for Middle and North Bass.  This is why the study recommends financial agreements between the Village and Township.

11. Is there public support for restructuring government?

Yes. Two separate surveys over the last few years showed:

  • 83% support restructuring if services are improved.
  • 82% support restructuring if services stay the same.
  • 61% of respondents overall either strongly or somewhat support the idea of restructuring. This broad support informed the recommendation for a phased and flexible approach.
12. What happens if we do nothing?

Maintaining the current system would:

  • Limit long-term sustainability of services.
  • Perpetuate challenges in recruiting elected officials.
  • Miss opportunities to enhance infrastructure and quality of life. The study concludes that status quo is not sustainable over time.
  • Continue confusion for residents and visitors.
  • Continue with less cost-efficient services on the island.
13. Can the Village absorb all of South Bass Island at once?

A full annexation would be challenging because it would increase the Village’s size by up to 400%, which courts may consider “unreasonably large.” Gradual, phased annexation is both more practical and legally defensible.

14. What are the next steps?
  • Identify initial annexation areas
  • Begin public engagement and conversations with property owners.
  • Launch phased annexations with willing property owners.