Ohio State-level Public Official Bond

The board of county commissioners approves both the bond amount and the surety company for Ohio public official bonds. The bond premium is paid by the county from the general fund, not by the individual official. For County Treasurers, the bond, oath of office, and board approval must be deposited with the county auditor. For Clerks of the Court of Common Pleas, these documents are deposited with the county treasurer. The surety company must be authorized to conduct business in Ohio.

County Treasurers (ORC §321.02) and Clerks of the Court of Common Pleas (ORC §2303.02) are specifically required to post individual surety bonds before taking office. County Treasurers must obtain bonds in amounts set by the board of county commissioners with no fixed minimum, while Clerks must post bonds ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 as determined by the commissioners. Other state and county officials may also be required by specific statutes. Note that treasurers are explicitly excluded from blanket bond coverage and must file individual bonds.

County Treasurer bonds are conditioned on faithful discharge of duties including payment of all moneys received for state, county, township, or other purposes. Clerk of Court bonds cover entering and recording court orders, decrees, judgments, and proceedings; paying over all official moneys; and faithful and impartial discharge of all duties. If the board determines the bond coverage is insufficient, they may demand additional sureties, and failure to provide them within 10 days vacates the office.