Ordinances & Resolutions

Resolutions

A resolution is a formal written enactment of Council of a matter of a less permanent nature, not prescribing any permanent rules of conduct. Examples of resolutions are: authorizing bidding for the purchase of equipment/vehicles, contracts with consultants for a specific project, agreements with other governmental agencies, and authorizing village funding for other agencies.

Ordinances

An Ordinance is a formal written enactment of Council for the regulation of the conduct of its citizens and others subject to its control, and intended to be of a permanent nature. Examples of ordinances: criminal and traffic law, employee salaries and benefits, establishing fees (i.e., water / sewer rates), zoning changes, annexations, plat approvals, and bonding legislation.

Information Regarding Readings & Adoption

Section 731.17 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) sets forth procedures for the reading of legislation and votes required for approval. In brief:

Each resolution or ordinance may be read by title only.

Each resolution or ordinance shall be read on three different days. However, Council may dispense with this rule by a “motion to waive the three reading rule”. A roll call vote is required on a “motion to waive the three reading rule”. The affirmative vote of three-fourths of the Council members is required to approve the motion.

A separate motion is required to adopt the resolution or ordinance. A separate roll call vote is required on the “motion to approve”. Unless specified otherwise within the resolution of ordinance, approval of the motion for adoption requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Council members.

Effective Dates of Ordinances or Resolutions

Non-emergency – Ordinances or resolutions that are not stated to be emergency measures are effective 30 days after the date of adoption.

Emergency – Ordinances or resolutions stated to be emergency measures are effective upon the adoption by Council and approval by the Mayor. Emergency legislation indicates necessity for the “immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety of the Village of Covington”. However, as standard procedure, items such as appropriations or bonding are usually presented as emergency measures.

Downloadable Resolutions and Ordinances

Below are downloadable PDFs of all Ordinances and Resolutions for the current year.  Previous Year's Ordinances and Resolutions are available here.

Approved Ordinances in 2024 

Approved Resolutions in 2024