EXHIBIT 23(i)

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 for First Citizens Banc Corp, The First Citizens Banc Corp
2000 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, of our report dated
February 1, 2002, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of First Citizens
Banc Corp as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows, for each
of three years in the period ending December 31, 2001, which report was filed
with Form 10-K of First Citizens Banc Corp for the year ended December 31, 2001.


                        /s/ Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP


Columbus, Ohio
September 3, 2002