COLUMBUS — Opponents of a new annexation law blocked it from taking effect by filing a petition on Thursday to put a referendum on the November 2002 ballot asking voters whether the law should be overturned.

        “The law is on hold,” said Carlo LoParo, spokesman for Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, noting that it will stay that way until voters approve or reject it.

        The law, the first overhaul of annexation requirements in 35 years, was to take effect today.

        The Legislature haggled over similar bills for more than two decades before the House, Senate and Gov. Bob Taft agreed on a version of the legislation earlier this year. Mr. Taft signed the bill in July.

        The law gives townships and counties more say in annexation attempts by cities and villages. It requires county commissions to consider the impact of annexation on property outside townships and makes cities and villages reimburse townships for tax revenue that is lost upon annexation.

        Ohio's current system compels county commissions to approve most requests by cities and villages to extend their borders into unincorporated areas. All that's needed is approval from a majority of property owners in an area adjacent to the municipality that is not “unreasonably large.”

        Opponents argue that the new law gives townships too much power to decide the fate of municipalities by making it more difficult for cities and villages to add land and develop a stronger tax base.

Police improvements could cost millions
Now it's time to act, critics advise police
First 2012 Olympic cuts today
Conflicting details arise in testimony
Punching of suspect angered officer
Fuller responds to his critics
Independent draws some notice
Ladybeetles descend on area
Luken has vastly more than Fuller
Military small part of war, general says
Q&A: 'You knew this was no accident'
Schloemer leads board candidates in contributions
Sidewalks for shoppers
Small airports batten down
Tristate A.M. Report
HOWARD: Some Good News
RADEL: Police report
WELLS: Images of infamy
Fairfield candidates rank roads, property values high
Lovers of log house take appeal to county
Natural gas line planned
Storm water a concern
Two projects dropped from sales tax funding
Petition puts annexation law on hold
Safety on tap this Halloween
State will reimburse poor families
Fire doesn't derail plan for school for Muslim kids
Kenton could guide locale of sex zone
Peaselburg suspects jail ploy
UK students accused of counterfeiting