Residents voted on the four charter changes individually, approving a redefining of city ordinances, bringing requirements for the finance director in line with the Ohio Revised Code and clarifying home rule authority relating to the entering of contracts.

According to unofficial results from the Union County Board of Elections, voters approved charter amendment A (defining resolutions) with 2,576 (53.36 percent) for and 2,252 (46.64 percent) against; charter amendment B (finance director) with 3,425 (69.0 percent) for and 1,539 (31.0 percent) against; and charter amendment D (contracts) with 2,987 (63.2 percent) for and 1,739 (36.8) against.

Voters denied charter amendment C (ending planning commission term limits) with 2,711 (54.53 percent) against and 2,261 (45.47 percent) for the amendment.

Amendment A allows for one reading of resolutions that do not require the spending of public money. Legislation that typically requires a public hearing is unchanged by the charter amendment.

Amendment B brings Marys-ville's charter in accordance with recent changes to Ohio Revised Code that altered some language regarding residency requirements for the director of finance.

Amendment C would have removed the term limits of those serving on the city's planning commission.

Amendment D clarifies home rule authority relating to the entering of contracts -- stating that the city administrator may make purchases and enter contracts (within the amounts appropriated by council) not in excess of the maximum amount permissible without competitive bidding. The section grants the Board of Control jurisdiction for awarding contracts in excess of that amount, which is set at $25,000.

lrice@thisweeknews.com