Resident presses council over possible sale of transmission lines; Axiotis says options are being explored to avoid higher rates

A Newton Falls resident used the public-comment period to warn that selling the villages transmission lines could leave the village without the means to reacquire those assets and to press for transparency about budget increases.

"If I sold them and then I don't have any money then, how am I gonna have money to buy them back?" the resident asked, criticizing past discussion of transmission-line sales and questioning a budget increase mentioned by council members.

Council member Mister Axiotis responded directly, saying the concern about selling assets is understood but that retaining old transmission lines also carries costs. "If we don't sell these assets, they're going to cost us money to repair and maintain that we get very little value from," Axiotis said, adding that the village is exploring contractual options and does not yet have final terms. He said the goal of exploration is to keep utilities affordable for residents and to slow future rate increases.

The meeting also included an exchange about the villages administrative code on public-comment conduct after a resident asked whether ordinance 121 limits speech during public comment. Jamie, speaking from the city manager's office, said the clause is intended to address abusive language by non-required administrative attendees and to preserve constructive meeting conduct rather than to bar substantive public comment.

No formal action to sell or transfer transmission assets was taken at the meeting; council directed staff to continue exploring options and to provide further details when available.