Celina Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Celina, Ohio government websites.

  About Celina City Government
Annual Budget $6.5 million

The city government of Celina, Ohio, operates under a City Council structure, which consists of six elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of four years. The governing body is responsible for enacting local legislation, approving budgets, and overseeing city operations.

For the fiscal year 2023, Celina's approximate annual operating budget is $6.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, ensuring the effective functioning of local government.

Regular city council meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Celina City Hall, located at 225 N. Main Street, Celina, OH 45822. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local governance and participate in community discussions.

  About Celina, Ohio

Nestled in the picturesque expanse of Mercer County, Celina captivates with its unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant community spirit. With a population estimated at approximately 10,400, this city thrives alongside the shimmering waters of Grand Lake St. Marys, a treasured outdoor recreational destination. Established in 1834, Celina has flourished over the years, evolving into a hub for diverse neighborhoods, including the quaint charm of the downtown area and the suburban feel of surrounding residential blocks. The local economy is bolstered by various industries, from agriculture to manufacturing, with a number of key employers contributing to its growth, such as local healthcare providers and light industrial companies. Celina is particularly distinctive for its annual events, including the popular Celina Lake Festival, which celebrates the community's connection to the lake and fosters a sense of unity among residents.

In Celina, law enforcement is primarily the responsibility of the Celina Police Department, which works diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Additionally, the Mercer County Sheriff's Office provides county-wide law enforcement and oversees the Mercer County Jail, which functions as the detention facility for individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. For those seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history information, the process begins with the Celina Police Department's records unit, where individuals can submit requests in person or, potentially, via email. For more comprehensive searches, contacting the Mercer County Sheriff's Office is advisable, especially for incidents that fall under their jurisdiction. Individuals may also explore the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which maintains statewide criminal records and offers online lookup portals. For convenience, these resources can provide the necessary documentation regarding arrests and criminal histories.

Celina falls under the jurisdiction of the Mercer County Common Pleas Court, which serves as the primary court for handling civil and criminal cases in the area. Requesting court records can be done through the court's online portal or by visiting the court clerk's office in person, where staff can assist with record retrieval. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are available through the Mercer County Clerk of Courts or the Ohio Department of Health's Vital Statistics office. Property records can be accessed through both the county assessor's office and the recorder's office, with many of these documents also available online for ease of access. Citizens wishing to request general public records are encouraged to utilize the Ohio Public Records Act, which ensures that such requests are typically fulfilled within 5 to 10 business days, providing transparency and accountability in local governance. In Celina, these mechanisms underscore the importance of community engagement and trust between residents and their local government.

  Celina, Ohio Public Records & Government Resources

About Celina

Nestled along the shores of Grand Lake St. Marys in Mercer County, Celina is a charming Ohio city with a population of approximately 10,400 residents. Established in 1834, this community has evolved over the years, blending small-town character with a vibrant local spirit. The city's historic downtown district and surrounding residential neighborhoods create a unique sense of place, while diverse industries, from agriculture to manufacturing, contribute to the area's economic vitality.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Mercer County is provided by the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Celina Police Department, Coldwater Police Department, and St. Henry Police Department are key agencies within the county. These departments handle law enforcement within their respective municipalities, while the sheriff's office covers the broader county area. Coordination between these agencies ensures effective response to major crimes and emergencies.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Mercer County Jail, located in Celina, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and regulations to ensure security. The bond and bail process follows Ohio state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.

Court Records

The legal system in Celina is served by the Mercer County Court of Common Pleas, which maintains records of civil and criminal proceedings. Individuals can search for case information and access court documents through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. The federal government also provides access to bankruptcy filings and other court records through the PACER system. Additionally, the Celina Municipal Court oversees local legal matters and maintains its own set of public records.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Mercer County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Mercer County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history information. The Ohio Bureau of Investigation offers fingerprint-based checks, ensuring accurate and thorough background screenings for residents.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Mercer County are maintained by the Mercer County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The Ohio Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive information. Arrest records typically include personal information, charges, and court dates.

Public Records Access

Individuals seeking public records in Celina can access a variety of resources through the Ohio Department of Health's Vital Statistics program. This includes obtaining birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses. The USA.gov Public Records Guide also provides a helpful overview of additional record types available at the local and federal levels, such as property deeds, land records, and court filings. The Mercer County Auditor's office maintains property assessment data, while the Celina City Recorder's office oversees official municipal documents.

Economy & Demographics

Celina's economy is anchored by a diverse range of industries, from agriculture to manufacturing. Key employers in the area include local healthcare providers, such as Mercer Health, as well as light industrial companies. The city's proximity to Grand Lake St. Marys and its vibrant downtown district also contribute to a thriving tourism and hospitality sector. Economic development initiatives and workforce data can be accessed through state and federal resources, providing valuable insights into the community's economic landscape.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Celina is served by the Celina Police Department, which is responsible for upholding local laws and maintaining public safety. The Ohio Attorney General's office maintains a comprehensive database of the state's most wanted criminals, as well as a registry of registered sex offenders. The FBI's Most Wanted list also provides information on fugitives with national warrants. Residents can report missing persons or other law enforcement-related concerns through the appropriate state and federal channels.

Vital Records

Residents of Celina can obtain vital records, such as birth certificates and death certificates, through the Ohio Department of Health's Vital Statistics program. The online portal allows individuals to search for and request copies of these important documents. Additionally, the Social Security Administration's Death Master File provides a comprehensive database of social security number holders who have passed away, which can be useful for genealogical research and other purposes.

Business & Licensing Records

Celina's local government manages a range of business-related public records, including commercial licenses, zoning permits, and economic development initiatives. The city's Building and Zoning Department oversees the issuance of permits for new construction, renovations, and other development activities. Businesses operating in Celina must also obtain the necessary licenses and registrations through the appropriate municipal offices. Information on the local economy, major employers, and workforce data can be found through state and federal resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Celina, Mercer County, Ohio to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Celina, Ohio, you will be transported to the Mercer County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Mercer County Court. Under Ohio law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). You can contact the Mercer County Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about a detained individual.
The Celina City School District is located in Mercer County, Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Education, the district earned an overall grade of B on the 2018-2019 Ohio School Report Card. The district scored an A in the Achievement component, a B in the Progress component, and a C in the Gap Closing component. The district also earned an A in the Graduation Rate component.
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the crime rate in Celina, Mercer County, Ohio for 2019 was 1,845.7 per 100,000 people. This is lower than the national average of 3,912.7 per 100,000 people. The most common crimes in Celina were larceny/theft (1,039.3 per 100,000 people), burglary (541.2 per 100,000 people), and motor vehicle theft (265.2 per 100,000 people).
The Celina Public Library in Mercer County, Ohio provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Ohio government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Ohio Public Records Act, which governs access to government documents in Ohio. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Celina Ohio Archives and Genealogy at https://www.ohiohistory.org/research-and-collections/. Contact the Celina Public Library reference desk at (419) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Celina, Mercer County, Ohio Library is located at:

220 N Main St, Celina, OH 45822
Fingerprinting services for Celina, Ohio residents are provided at the Celina Police Department, which serves Mercer County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Celina Police Department at (419) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Services-for-Law-Enforcement/OHLEG.
In order to obtain vital records from Celina, Mercer County, Ohio, you will need to contact the Mercer County Health District.

The vital records that are available from the Mercer County Health District include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records will include the address of the individual listed on the record.
A background check in Celina, Mercer County, Ohio typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Ohio. Criminal background checks are processed through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Ohio residents. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Services-for-Law-Enforcement/OHLEG. Under the Ohio Public Records Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
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