County / Municipal Public Official Bond

The bond must be secured before entering office duties. It must be filed along with the oath of office and receive approval from the appropriate authority (county board of commissioners for county officers, or municipal legislative authority for city/village officers). Failure to secure the required bond within the specified timeframe (typically 10 days when additional sureties are required) can result in the office being declared vacant. The bond remains in effect throughout the official's term of office.

Bond amounts vary significantly by office and jurisdiction. County sheriffs must bond for $5,000 to $50,000 as fixed by the county board of commissioners. County treasurers bond for an amount directed by the board based on funds handled. Municipal officers (mayors, auditors, treasurers) bond for amounts set by local ordinance, with $25,000 being common in many municipalities. The amount is determined based on the official's responsibilities and the volume of public funds they handle.

In Ohio, this bond is required for county officials including sheriffs (ORC 311.02), county treasurers (ORC 321.02), clerks of courts, auditors, recorders, coroners, and engineers. Municipal officials including mayors, city/village treasurers, and city/village auditors also require this bond under ORC 733.70. The specific requirement and bond amount are set by the county board of commissioners for county officers, or by the municipal legislative authority (city council or village council) via ordinance for municipal officers.