In response to studies that reported Ohio had too much local government and suggested local governments should be consolidated, the Ohio Township Association commissioned a study to see if this was truly the case.

The results of Dr. Wendell Cox's study were recently released and indicated that smaller governments spend less, borrow less, and have lower taxes per capita than other local governments. Matt DeTemple of O.T.A. says in townships, elected official represent a smaller pool of constituents.

The report indicates that as governments are forced to consolidate, costs are driven by "leveling up" of labor costs and service levels to match the more expensive consolidating jurisdiction.

It also found that larger governments are less accessible because residents cannot easily and quickly reach elected officials or administrators with sufficient authority to act.