Celina Mayor, Mercer County Republican Chairman Address Councilman’s OVI Case

CELINA, Ohio, Nov. 11, 2026. Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel says city officials have limited authority to take action against an elected council member following the September arrest of First Ward Councilman Steve Schulte on an operating a vehicle while impaired charge. Mercer County Republican Chairman Bob Hibner said city and party officials have discussed the case and are hoping for a quick resolution.

Hazel and Hibner spoke with WCSM Radio on Wednesday after a resident questioned the city’s response to the arrest at Monday’s Celina City Council meeting.

Hibner described the situation as disappointing. He said discussions began early and involved Hazel, the council president, other council members and himself. He said both the alleged offense and comments Schulte allegedly made after his arrest had raised concerns among city officials and members of the Mercer County Republican Central Committee.

“We realize that people are innocent until proven guilty,” Hibner said. He added that he hopes Schulte “will make the right decision as the court proceedings proceed.”

Hazel said he understood that Schulte’s attorney had advised him to wait until his next court appearance in December before taking any action.

“He certainly, I know, feels bad about the negative publicity that has occurred,” Hazel said. “But at this point, we don’t know anything else until he gets to court.”

Schulte was arrested September 27 following a traffic stop by Celina police. According to the police report, he was accused of operating a vehicle while impaired and refused a breath test after his arrest. Police also cited him for failure to maintain his lane.

Hazel said Celina operates under Ohio’s statutory form of municipal government and has no local recall procedure. He said the city’s executive, legislative and judicial branches have separate responsibilities, which limits his authority to intervene in a matter involving an elected council member.

“The people elect representatives to represent them,” Hazel said, adding that voters can choose a different representative at the polls.

Schulte is serving a four-year term representing Celina’s First Ward. Neither Hazel nor Hibner announced a decision about Schulte’s future on council.

Note-WCSM has reached out to Council President Jason King and to Steve Schulte.