Ohio sheriffs told to stay in county seat

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio sheriffs want to change state law so they can move offices or other facilities outside the county seat of justice.

The Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association said today the change is needed to update antiquated laws dealing with sheriffs’ operations.

The issue arose after Athens County Sheriff Patrick Kelly asked the Ohio attorney general if it was possible to build a new set of offices outside Athens city limits.

The opinion by Attorney General Richard Cordray released last week says Ohio law prevents a sheriff from having offices outside the county justice seat, typically the county courthouse.

Kelly says his office long ago outgrew its downtown Athens location and there aren’t city lots big enough for a new operations and offices facility.