Except as otherwise provided in section 3.061 of the Revised Code, the sheriff shall, within ten days after receiving the sheriff's commission and before the first Monday of January next after being elected, give a bond, signed by a bonding or surety company authorized to do business in this state and to be approved by the board of county commissioners, or, at the option of such sheriff, signed by two or more freeholders having real estate in the value of double the amount of the bond, over and above all encumbrances to the state, and in a sum not less than five thousand nor more than fifty thousand dollars, which sum shall be fixed by the board. The bond shall be conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of sheriff. The expense or premium for such bond shall be paid by the board and charged to the general fund of the county. Such bonds, with the approval of the board and the oath of office required by sections 3.22 and 3.23 of the Revised Code, and Section 7 of Article XV, Ohio Constitution, indorsed thereon, shall be filed with the county auditor and kept in the auditor's office.

The board may require the sheriff, at any time during the sheriff's term of office, to give additional sureties on the sheriff's bond, or to give a new bond, except as otherwise provided in section 3.061 of the Revised Code.

No judge or clerk of any court or attorney at law shall be received as surety on such bond.

If the sheriff fails to give a bond within the time required, or fails to give additional sureties on such bond or a new bond within ten days after receiving written notice that the board so requires, the board shall declare the office of such sheriff vacant.

Amended by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 291, §1, eff. 3/20/2019.

Effective Date: 10-12-1961.