Ohio has essentially four levels of local government. The township - in Portage County, these are 5 miles by 5 miles - with an elected Board of Trustees. They are charged with maintaining Township roads and usually have several boards which deal with issues such as zoning. They also used to be charged with maintaining cemeteries. I have been told that has recently changed. Next is Villages. These are incorporated and often were the central area in the township, more densely populated. There is somewhat more variety in the form of government. Generally, the population limit is about 10,000. Usually there is an elected mayor and council. The village may be chartered which gives more flexibility in specifics of government. Next is City. Ohio still has Counties, with an elected board of Commissioners. Where most of the county is incorporated, e.g. Cuyahoga, the functions are somewhat limited but they have had enough political pull to prevent their demise. In more rural areas, such as Portage County, they are charged with a number of things, including county roads, and the Sheriff's department, although the Sheriff is elected. Hope this is helpful. Ralph (formerly of Hiram)