Hicksville Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Hicksville, Ohio government websites.
About Hicksville City Government
Annual Budget
$1.5 million
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
Hicksville, Ohio, operates under a Mayor-Council government structure, specifically known as the Hicksville Village Council. This governing body consists of six elected council members, each serving a term of four years. Council members are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire village rather than specific districts. The current council members include President Pro Tem David W. Smith, along with members David E. Hurst, John W. Hurst, and others.
For the fiscal year 2023, Hicksville's approximate annual operating budget is $1.5 million. This budget supports various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community programs. The village's financial planning is crucial for maintaining the quality of life for its residents.
The Hicksville Village Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Hicksville Village Hall, located at 142 E. Main Street, Hicksville, OH 43526. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in local governance discussions.
About Hicksville, Ohio
Nestled within the heart of Defiance County, Hicksville, Ohio, is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 3,675 residents, according to recent Census data. Established in 1869, this quaint village is characterized by its small-town charm and welcoming atmosphere. Major neighborhoods within Hicksville feature the close-knit residential areas that promote a sense of community, underscoring a lifestyle that is both peaceful and engaging. The local economy is supported by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and retail business, with several notable employers contributing to the town's economic fabric. What truly sets Hicksville apart, however, is its commitment to maintaining a friendly environment, where time-honored traditions are celebrated alongside modern conveniences. The annual events, such as the Hicksville Homecoming Festival, highlight the village's lively spirit and foster connections among residents, making it a distinctive destination in northwest Ohio.
The Hicksville Police Department oversees law enforcement in the area, ensuring the safety and security of the community. For more serious matters, residents may also involve the Defiance County Sheriff's Office, which operates a county jail that serves Hicksville and its surrounding areas. Those seeking to access criminal records, including arrest records, mugshots, and booking information, can do so by initiating contact with the Hicksville Police Department's records unit. Generally, an individual can request these documents in person or via official communication methods, such as telephone or email. If further information is needed, individuals may turn to the Defiance County Sheriff's Office, which also possesses records on criminal activities within the jurisdiction. For comprehensive criminal history checks, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation maintains a state repository that can be accessed online. Interested individuals can navigate to the Ohio State Police website to find additional resources for conducting background checks and obtaining relevant data.
The judicial needs of Hicksville are primarily served by the Defiance County Common Pleas Court, which handles a variety of civil and criminal cases. Residents seeking court records can request access through the official online portal or by visiting the court clerk's office in person. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, the Defiance County Clerk of Courts provides essential services to residents, along with the Ohio Department of Health's Vital Statistics office, which can fulfill requests statewide. Property records are accessible through the Defiance County Auditor and Recorder's office, where residents can find valuable information about land ownership and property assessments, both in person and via online platforms. Under the Ohio Public Records Act, residents are entitled to request general public records from government agencies, with typical response times ranging from 5 to 10 business days. This open access to public records ensures transparency and accountability within the local government, reinforcing Hicksville's commitment to serving its residents effectively.
About Hicksville
Hicksville is a village in Defiance County, Ohio, located in the northwestern part of the state near the Indiana border. Situated approximately 15 miles west of Defiance along State Route 18, Hicksville had a population of approximately 3,580 as of the 2020 census. The village was platted in 1835 and incorporated in 1867, named after Henry W. Hicks, a local hotel keeper and prominent early settler. Hicksville serves as a small agricultural and manufacturing community, with the local economy historically supported by farming, light industry, and retail businesses serving the surrounding rural area.
The village is home to Hicksville High School and the Hicksville Public Library, and lies along the former route of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which contributed to its early growth as a transportation hub in northwestern Ohio. Public records for Hicksville residents are maintained by both village-level offices and Defiance County agencies. The Village of Hicksville operates municipal offices at 108 East High Street, handling local building permits, zoning records, and village ordinances. The Hicksville Police Department maintains local law enforcement records including incident reports and accident records. County-level records are maintained by Defiance County offices located in the county seat of Defiance, approximately 15 miles east of Hicksville. These include property records at the Defiance County Auditor and Recorder offices, court records at the Defiance County Common Pleas Court and Defiance Municipal Court, and vital records processed through the Defiance County Health Department and Ohio Department of Health. All public records in Ohio are governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 149.43, which provides broad public access to government documents with limited exemptions.
Police Department & Arrest Records
Defiance County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Defiance County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Defiance Police Department and Hicksville Police Department. Each agency has jurisdiction over its respective area, with the Sheriff's Office covering unincorporated regions and the city departments focusing on urban areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Defiance County Jail, located in the city of Defiance, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
Court Records
Hicksville residents are served by multiple court systems depending on case type and severity. The Defiance Municipal Court, located at 631 Perry Street, Defiance, OH 43512, phone (419) 782-1936, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, and civil cases with claims up to $15,000 for residents throughout Defiance County including Hicksville.
The Defiance County Common Pleas Court, located at 221 Clinton Street, Suite 204, Defiance, OH 43512, phone (419) 782-4796, has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $15,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, and juvenile cases. The Common Pleas Court is divided into a General Division and a Domestic Relations/Probate/Juvenile Division. Ohio court records can be searched online through the Ohio Supreme Court's public access system at www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/pao, though Defiance County also maintains local dockets and case information. The Defiance County Clerk of Courts, phone (419) 782-1936, maintains records for Common Pleas cases and can provide certified copies. Standard fees include $2.00 per page for copies and $2.00 for certification. Civil filing fees vary: Common Pleas civil filings start at approximately $185, while Municipal Court civil filings begin around $95. Traffic case filings are typically $75-$100 depending on violation type. Probate filing fees range from $100-$200 depending on estate value and case complexity. Case records dating back decades are available, with older records maintained in archives.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Defiance County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Defiance 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 reports for residents. The Ohio Bureau of Investigation also offers fingerprint-based checks for more detailed background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Defiance County are maintained by the Defiance County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, adhering to the guidelines set by the Ohio Public Records Act. An arrest record in Defiance County typically contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency's details.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Hicksville are maintained by Defiance County offices in Defiance. The Defiance County Auditor's Office, located at 221 Clinton Street, Suite 101, Defiance, OH 43512, phone (419) 782-8811, website www.defiancecountyauditor.org, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, parcel maps, and property characteristics for all parcels in Hicksville and throughout the county.
The Auditor's online database allows free searches by owner name, parcel number, or property address, displaying current assessed values, tax amounts, exemptions, property transfers, and building characteristics. The office also maintains agricultural use values, tax district information, and historical assessment data. The Defiance County Recorder's Office, located at 221 Clinton Street, Suite 103, Defiance, OH 43512, phone (419) 782-4741, website www.defiancecountyohio.com/recorder, records and maintains official land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, military discharge papers, and other instruments affecting real property. Ohio law requires recording fees of $34.00 for the first two pages and $8.00 for each additional page for most documents. The Recorder's website provides free online access to recorded documents dating back multiple decades, searchable by grantor/grantee name, parcel number, or document type and date range. Images of recorded instruments can be viewed and printed at no charge. The county also maintains a GIS mapping system accessible through the Auditor's website, providing interactive parcel maps, aerial photography, zoning overlays, and property boundary information for Hicksville and all areas of Defiance County.
Economy & Demographics
Hicksville's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, light manufacturing, education, and local retail and service businesses serving the northwestern Defiance County area. Major employers in Hicksville include Community Memorial Hospital (part of ProMedica health system), providing healthcare services and employing medical professionals, nurses, and support staff. The Hicksville Exempted Village School District is another significant employer, operating Hicksville Elementary School and Hicksville High School.
Manufacturing facilities in and near Hicksville include agricultural equipment suppliers and small industrial operations supporting the region's farming economy. The surrounding area's agricultural base focuses on corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock production, with many Hicksville residents employed in farming or agricultural support industries. Retail businesses along State Route 18 and in the downtown area serve local residents and nearby rural communities. According to U.S. Census estimates, Hicksville's median household income is approximately $47,000-$52,000, somewhat below Ohio's state median but consistent with rural northwestern Ohio communities. The village's economy is closely tied to Defiance County's broader economic base, which includes advanced manufacturing, healthcare through ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital, and General Motors Components Holdings operations in Defiance. Hicksville's location near the Ohio-Indiana border and proximity to Fort Wayne, Indiana (approximately 35 miles west) provides some economic connection to that larger metropolitan area. The village has seen modest residential development in recent years while maintaining its character as a small agricultural service community.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
The Hicksville Police Department, located at 108 East High Street, Hicksville, OH 43526, phone (419) 542-7224, provides primary law enforcement services within the village limits. The department maintains records of incident reports, accident reports, and offense reports which can be requested in person during regular business hours or by written request under Ohio's Public Records Act. Citizens requesting copies of police reports should provide case numbers, dates, and names of involved parties when available. The Defiance County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 112 Biede Avenue, Defiance, OH 43512, phone (419) 782-3837, website www.defiancecountyohio.com/sheriff, provides law enforcement services in unincorporated areas of Defiance County and supports village police departments with specialized services and investigations. The Sheriff's Office maintains patrol records, civil process records, and concealed carry permit information. Arrest and jail booking records for Hicksville and Defiance County are available through the Defiance County Sheriff's Office detention facility. Current inmate information can be searched at www.defiancecountysheriff.com/inmates or by calling the jail at (419) 782-4431. The online roster typically displays inmate names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43, public records requests must be honored promptly, with copies provided at cost. Ohio law requires agencies to respond to records requests within a reasonable time, typically interpreted as within one business day for acknowledgment and fulfillment as soon as practicable. Requesters need not state reasons for seeking records, and denials must cite specific legal exemptions.
Vital Records
Vital records for Hicksville residents are processed through both county and state offices depending on record type and date. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Hicksville and Defiance County are filed with the Ohio Department of Health, Vital Statistics, 225 Neilston Street, Columbus, OH 43215, phone (614) 466-2531, website www.odh.ohio.gov/vitalstatistics. Certified birth certificates cost $25.20 for the first copy and $19.20 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Certified death certificates cost $25.20 each.
Ohio birth records from December 20, 1908 forward and death records from 1954 forward are available from the state office, with earlier records held by county probate courts. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional processing fees of approximately $12.50 and 5-10 business day processing times. Expedited service is available for additional fees. Birth records are restricted to the person named (if age 18+), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper documentation. Death certificates are available to immediate family members or authorized parties with proper identification. Marriage licenses are issued by the Defiance County Probate Court, 221 Clinton Street, Suite 204, Defiance, OH 43512, phone (419) 782-3741. The license fee is $50.00, with a three-day waiting period waived upon completion of premarital counseling. Marriage records dating back to the formation of Defiance County in 1845 are maintained by the Probate Court. Divorce records are also maintained by the Defiance County Probate Court as part of dissolution case files and can be searched through the Clerk of Courts office. Requesters must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate eligibility under Ohio law to receive certified copies.
Business & Licensing Records
Business licensing and registration for Hicksville operates at village, county, and state levels. The Village of Hicksville does not require a general business license for most commercial activities, though specific permits may be required for construction, signage, food service, and alcohol sales through the Village offices at 108 East High Street, Hicksville, OH 43526, phone (419) 542-7768. Zoning compliance certificates and building permits are issued by the Village when required for business operations. Defiance County does not maintain a separate county business license system.
Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) in Ohio are filed with the county where the business operates, through the Defiance County Clerk of Courts, 221 Clinton Street, Defiance, OH 43512, phone (419) 782-1936. Trade name registration costs approximately $39.00 and must be renewed every five years. State-level business entity formation and registration is handled by the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division, 180 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215, phone (614) 466-3910, website www.businessservices.ohio.gov. The Secretary of State maintains a free searchable database of all Ohio corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities at www.businesssearch.ohiosos.gov. Searches can be performed by entity name, charter number, or registered agent, displaying business status, filing history, registered office address, and officer/member information. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statement filings, which create secured interests in personal property and business assets, are also filed with the Ohio Secretary of State and searchable online at www.sos.state.oh.us/ucc-search. Commercial property tax information for businesses in Hicksville can be researched through the Defiance County Auditor at (419) 782-8811, with assessed values and tax amounts available online.
Elections & Voter Records
Hicksville voters are served by the Defiance County Board of Elections, located at 220 Clinton Street, Defiance, OH 43512, phone (419) 784-4655, website www.defiance.ohioboe.com. The Board of Elections administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for Hicksville and all Defiance County residents. Ohio residents can register to vote online at www.olvr.ohiosos.gov (Ohio Online Voter Registration), by mail, or in person at the Board of Elections or Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations. Voter registration must be completed or postmarked at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Valid Ohio driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of Social Security number, is required for registration. Hicksville, as an incorporated village, holds municipal elections for mayor and village council members. Village council elections typically occur in odd-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The next Hicksville municipal election will be held November 4, 2025, for village council seats and potentially mayor depending on term expiration. Ohio municipal elections are non-partisan. Hicksville voters also participate in Defiance County elections for county commissioners, sheriff, auditor, recorder, treasurer, clerk of courts, and other county offices, as well as state legislative elections for Ohio House and Senate districts. Polling place assignments for Hicksville residents can be found by entering your address at www.defiance.ohioboe.com or by calling the Board of Elections. Hicksville typically has 2-3 precincts voting at locations such as Hicksville High School or the Hicksville Community Center. In the November 2024 presidential election, Defiance County reported approximately 60-63% voter turnout with approximately 14,000-15,000 ballots cast from roughly 24,000 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, Hicksville and Defiance County voters will decide several major races: Ohio Governor (incumbent Mike DeWine's term expires 2026), all Ohio House of Representatives seats (2-year terms), several Ohio Senate seats (4-year staggered terms), Defiance County offices including potentially County Commissioner, and various township trustees and fiscal officers. The U.S. Senate seat currently held by J.D. Vance is not up in 2026 (next election 2028). Ohio voters can request absentee ballots by mail, online at www.defiance.ohioboe.com, or in person at the Board of Elections. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Saturday before Election Day (noon deadline) for mail delivery, or voters can apply and vote in person during early voting beginning four weeks before Election Day through the Monday before Election Day. No-excuse absentee voting is permitted in Ohio. Election records that are public in Ohio include voter registration lists (available for purchase by campaigns and political parties), campaign finance reports filed with the Ohio Secretary of State at www.ohiosos.gov (searchable online), candidate petition filings and declarations, and precinct-level election results published by the Board of Elections after each election and archived online.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Defiance County and Ohio provide excellent online access to most public records including property records, court dockets, business registrations, and election information, with only vital records requiring state-level processing and associated fees
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Hicksville, Ohio, you will be transported to the Defiance County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Defiance County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Defiance County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2 What are the school district and education performance data for Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio?
The Hicksville area is served by public school districts in Defiance County, Ohio. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Ohio Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3 What are the crime statistics for Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio?
Crime statistics for Hicksville, Ohio are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Hicksville Police Department on their official website. The Ohio Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio Library?
The Hicksville Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Ohio government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5 Where is the Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio Public Library located?
The Hicksville Public Library main branch is located in Hicksville, Ohio. Check the Hicksville city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio?
Fingerprinting services in Hicksville, Ohio are available through the Hicksville Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Defiance County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Hicksville, Ohio, contact the Ohio Department of Health. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Defiance County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8 About Police Reports
Police reports from Hicksville, Ohio can be obtained from the Hicksville Police Department or the Defiance County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Ohio Public Records Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Ohio DMV.
9 About background check
A background check in Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Ohio criminal history report through the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.