City of Defiance v. McGonigale

I agree with the conclusion of the majority that the appointment of McGonigale was not void. I agree, also, that the ordinance was not void because not submitted to a vote of the people. The act of May 13, 1886, was alone applicable to Defiance, that being a city of the fourth grade. I concur with the majority in the view that that act limited the municipal power to a contract for a term not exceeding 30 years. A contract for a term in excess of 30 years is not severable, but is totally void under the well-settled decisions of Ohio applicable to municipal corporations. City of Wellston v.…