Ohio Revised Code (ORC) § 167.04(D) provides the following requirements: "The officers of the council shall notify the auditor of state of the regional council's formation," as well as provide a copy of the council's by-laws and any other information regarding the regional council that the auditor of state considers necessary. The council will take no official action before notifying the auditor of state of its formation. Any official action the council takes before making that notification, including entering into any contract, is void.
Additionally, ORC § 117.10(E) states, "Within thirty days after the creation or dissolution or the winding up of the affairs of any public office, that public office shall notify the auditor of state in writing that this action has occurred."
Therefore, before transacting business, a council of governments must register with the AOS no later than 30 days after its creation.