LISBON Ohio attorney general to intervene in Columbiana Co. funding dispute

LISBON -- Columbiana County and area local governments will have an ally in their legal fight over distribution of millions of dollars in state funding.
Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro said Wednesday that he will intervene in a lawsuit filed last month in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court by East Liverpool.
The lawsuit seeks to strike down a 2002 Ohio law sponsored by state Rep. Charles Blasdel of East Liverpool, R-1st.
The law was used by the county to drastically reduce East Liverpool's annual share of state tax dollars known as local government funds.
A new formula, crafted using the Blasdel-sponsored law, enabled the county to reduce East Liverpool's share of the funds from 27 percent to a little more than 4 percent. The change gave more money to other cities, villages and townships in the county.
In its lawsuit, the city argues the law is unconstitutional and wants it scrapped.
Blasdel, claiming the lawsuit challenges the General Assembly's authority, sought Petro's involvement in the case.
Blasdel applauded Petro's intention to intervene to defend the law in question.
"This is a necessary step in upholding the laws of our state," Blasdel said.