Cleveland Heights council passes no-confidence vote; Mayor Khalil Sarin resigns effective immediately

Cleveland Heights — City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday night to adopt a resolution expressing a loss of confidence in Mayor Khalil Sarin, and the mayor subsequently submitted a written resignation effective immediately.

The resolution, introduced by Council Member Petras and cosponsored by President Cuda, Vice President Russell and four other members, passed after a lengthy debate about staff morale, contracting transparency and the mayor’s conduct. The roll call recorded six votes in favor — Council Members Cobb, Cuda, Larson, Petras, Russell and Posh — and one vote opposed (Council Member Maddox).

The no-confidence resolution cited reported and alleged instances in which council members and residents said the mayor used poor judgment and failed to accept accountability. Council supporters said the measure was intended to call for transparency and to protect city employees. "This resolution challenges the leaders of Cleveland Heights to personify the values we all should live by every day," Councilwoman Larson said before voting.

During public comment and later from the dais, Mayor Khalil Sarin read a prepared statement apologizing for his actions and announcing his resignation. In part he said, "To the people of Cleveland Heights, I know I have let you down... I am submitting my resignation as mayor of the city of Cleveland Heights effective immediately." He also wrote that he took "full responsibility for the harm that has resulted from my actions, my words, and the consequences that have had on our city's unity and sense of shared purpose." (Mayor Khalil Sarin)

Council members who supported the resolution pointed to recent personnel departures, reports of internal complaints, and the volume of news coverage as evidence the administration had become a distraction from municipal work. "Operationally, the city lacks the capacity to get things done," Councilman Cobb said in explaining his yes vote.

Council members who opposed the resolution urged residents to use the upcoming elections to decide leadership, and some expressed concern about escalating rhetoric and race in the public debate. "I don't feel like putting my finger on a scale one way or the other," Councilman Maddox said after explaining why he opposed the resolution.

The resolution is a formal statement from council; it does not itself force removal. The mayor’s written resignation is a separate, immediate act. Council did not need to accept the resignation for it to be effective; Mayor Sarin’s statement said the resignation is effective immediately.

What happens next: With the mayor’s resignation now in the public record, council and city staff must follow statutory and charter procedures for filling a vacancy in the office. Council also signaled a desire to pursue additional reforms that several members said would improve transparency and employee protections, including posting certain contracts publicly and strengthening whistleblower protections.

The council’s action and the mayor’s resignation come with active public engagement: speakers at the meeting urged both accountability and civic participation. Council leaders urged residents to register and vote in the upcoming primary on Sept. 9 and the general election on Nov. 4 to influence the city’s next leadership choices.