The petition to referend Bluffton Ordinance 9-16 – surcharge on water and sewer customers - has failed to meet requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, according to Stephen Chamberlain, Bluffton solicitor.

Chamberlain informed the group filing the petition that the group failed to file a certified copy of the ordinance prior to circulating the referendum petition. Failure of the action, according to Chamberlain, voids the petitions.

The petitions were filed with the village on July 18. On July 21, Chamberlain notified those submitting the petitions of its failure.

Chamberlain’s letter stated that he will not forward the petitions to the Allen or Hancock County Boards of Elections based upon the follows section of the Ohio Revised Code:

“Whoever seeks to propose an ordinance or measure in a municipal corporation by initiative petition or files a referendum petition against any ordinance or measure shall before circulating such petition, file a certified copy of the proposed ordinance or measure with the city auditor or the village clerk.”

The petitions included over 300 signatures of registered voters in Bluffton. The petitions asked that the ordinance be placed on the November ballot.

The committee passing the petitions included former council members Jerry Cupples, Everett Collier, Mitch Kingsley, David Steiner and Fred Steiner. In addition, three other persons collected signatures of voters. Approximately 115 signatures of valid registered voters were needed to place the issue of the ballot.

CLICK HERE to read the story posted earlier this week stating the petitions were filed with the village.