Council members criticize Mayor Saron over budget transparency and racial tensions

The Cleveland Heights City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, featured a significant public comment addressing the ongoing budgetary challenges and the dynamics between council members and the mayor. The speaker, identifying as a white resident, emphasized the importance of discussing race and racism in the context of the council's operations, particularly regarding Mayor Saron and Councilor Maddox, both of whom are Black.

The speaker criticized the mayor for presenting an incomplete budget package in November, which led to a temporary budget being established by six council members—Councilors Posh, Russell, Cobb, Kuda, Larson, and Petrus—who voted against the mayor's proposal. Councilor Maddox was the only member to support the mayor's initial budget. The speaker recounted how the mayor did not assist in developing the temporary budget and instead encouraged public dissent against the council's efforts.

The speaker highlighted instances of resistance from the mayor and Councilor Maddox during the budget process, including the mayor's public calls for residents to oppose the temporary budget and his failure to provide necessary budget data in a timely manner. The speaker raised concerns about the mayor's financial management and questioned the effectiveness of the communication between the mayor and the council.

Additionally, the speaker noted that the six council members faced targeted harassment, including a racist flyer, as they advocated for fiscal responsibility on behalf of the residents. The comments underscored the tensions within the council and the broader implications of race and governance in Cleveland Heights.

The meeting concluded with a call for accountability and a reminder of the importance of transparency in the budget process, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about the city's financial management and the relationships among its elected officials.