Two major lawsuits still determine whether Nelsonville operates under its charter or a statutory form of government, and retired judge Tom Hodson, writing in the Athens County Independent's Inside Courts column, expects months or more of further proceedings.

Hodson recounts that voters abolished the charter through Issue 23 in November 2024, with nearly 70% backing, effective Jan. 1, 2026. In August 2025, the charter-based council adopted Ordinance 54-25 to nullify that vote; the Athens County Board of Elections had already certified candidates for a statutory government. The Ohio Supreme Court twice declined in 2025 to decide which step controlled.

The surviving quo warranto case, State of Ohio, ex rel. Jonathan R. Flowers, et al. v. City of Nelsonville, began in the Fourth District Court of Appeals. On June 10, 2026, that court ruled it lacked jurisdiction over removing charter officials and said the Athens County Common Pleas Court must first issue a declaratory judgment on Ordinance 54-25.

Statutory officeholders appealed on July 22, and attorney Garry Hunter filed a 49-page brief on Sept. 11 urging the Supreme Court to settle the underlying question. Charter officials answered on Oct. 13 through attorney Jonathan Robe, who also asked for a ruling and argued the charter remained in force under home rule.

Hunter has requested oral argument; the court may instead decide on the briefs.

In the second case, Rita Nguyen challenged her 2024 removal from council. The Fourth District dismissed it as moot after new statutory officials were elected in November 2025, without deciding which government is lawful. On Oct. 1, 2026, the Supreme Court sent the matter back to the appellate court.

Separately, three charter officials and two residents are seeking Council President Cameron Peck's resignation over his online dealings with residents. Resident Lori Cook, as described in the column, called the conduct volatile and threatening. Peck denies wrongdoing and has refused to step down. A recall vote is scheduled for Dec. 15 but is likely to be rescheduled.