Ohio Rev. Code § 735.08
In a city in which a water works, electric light plant, artificial or natural gas plant, or other similar public utility is owned by the city, the director of public service, with the consent of the legislative authority thereof, may enter into and contract with the owners of any power plant or of any hydraulic or other natural or artificial watercourse to furnish power for the propelling of machinery in the water works, electric light plant, artificial or natural gas plant, or other similar public utility of the city, or acquire such power privileges by purchase or transfer from others owning such rights. For the purpose of carrying such contracts or leases into effect the director may enter into such contracts for any term of years, and sections 735.05 to 735.07, inclusive, of the Revised Code, do not apply.
R.C. §735.08