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Newton Falls council rescinds 2021 ordinance and authorizes manager to negotiate potential sale of transmission assets
Summary
After lengthy public comment and debate, Newton Falls council voted to rescind a 2021 ordinance connected to selling electric transmission assets and authorized the city manager to negotiate possible sale terms so staff can gather updated numbers; both measures passed unanimously and will return for formal action if a deal is proposed.
Newton Falls council voted unanimously to rescind a 2021 ordinance tied to the possible sale of the village’s electric transmission assets and to authorize the city manager to negotiate terms for a potential sale.
The rescission cleared what supporters said were outdated data and contract language from the village’s books and, council members said, opens the way to gather current costs and offers. "None of the information in this ordinance is still valid," Council Member Mr. Rner said during debate, arguing the 2021 numbers and assumptions no longer apply.
Opponents in the audience and during public comment urged caution and disputed the timing. Several residents warned council that if a valid referendum petition had been filed, state law can suspend ordinances pending a vote. John Bar6 North, who identified himself during public comment, told the council: "The ordinance is suspended and must be submitted to the electors," citing the statutory framework for referenda.
Village staff and the electric superintendent said the long-term cost of maintaining aged transmission lines could force large capital borrowing and higher rates. "All transmission does is cost us money," Matt Evans, electric superintendent, told the council, noting estimated replacement costs above $7 million and the diminishing availability of replacement parts for older equipment.
Councilors framed the negotiation authorization as a fact-gathering step: the measure gives the city manager authority to seek terms and financial details that would be presented to council before any sale. Several members reiterated that any final sale would require a subsequent ordinance and likely additional public review.
The council recorded unanimous votes on both the rescission and the negotiation authorization (each recorded as 'Pass 5'). Both measures were identified as requiring a second reading or further procedural steps before any asset transfer could occur.
