COLUMBUS — Ohio townships might soon have more power to bargain with municipalities over losing their land, under a bill awaiting the governor's signature.

        For more than three decades, townships have complained that cities have too much power to snatch up and tax valuable land. Now lawmakers have come to an agreement on how contested annexations should be dealt with.

        Supporters say the proposed law could level the playing field by giving county commissioners the right to approve or reject proposed annexations.

        Under the bill, commissioners could review the effects of a proposed annexation on land within a half-mile and decide if it would be in the best interest of the surrounding community.

        In addition, cities that annex land would be required to notify residents in surrounding areas and reimburse townships for lost taxes over 15 years. The proposal has passed the Ohio Senate and House, and will be sent to Gov. Bob Taft for final approval.

        Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, called the passage of the bill a “wonderful victory.” “These kinds of annexations can have severe and adverse affects,” said Mr. Seitz, a former Green Township trustee.

        Under current law, townships have little power to fight city land grabs that chip away at their tax base, and often must deal with problems such as traffic congestion that result, Mr. Seitz said.

        Bill sponsor Lynn Wachtmann, R-Napoleon, said although the legislature has come to an agreement, the proposed law remains controversial.

        “I suspect that many areas of this bill, when it becomes law, will be tried in court,” Mr. Wachtmann said.

        Municipalities remain opposed, saying the bill could fetter economic growth.

        “You're cutting the heart out of what creates a city,” said Joyce Bushman, head of the Coalition for Equitable Annexation, which is made up of 300 Ohio municipalities.

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