NEWTON FALLS Changes to city's charter go to voters

If residents approve a mayor-council government, another election would be needed to fill new posts.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NEWTON FALLS -- Results of today's special election here could lead to yet another special election in the coming months.
The 2,705 registered voters in this city go to the polls today to decide on several amendments to the city's charter. Among the proposed changes is doing away with the city manager position, instead relying on a mayor-council form of government.
Kathleen M. King, council clerk, said that if voters do away with the city manager position, a second special election will be set so voters can elect a full-time mayor, two more council members and a council president.
"The board of elections will have 10 days to certify the results of the election, and if it's needed, council will call for another election after that," she said.
King said there is no set timetable for a second special election because council would need to allow time for residents to petition for a spot on the ballot.
Dispute among officials
Today's election comes on the heels of months of political turmoil in the city. Recent events include council's issuing an ultimatum to City Manager Robert C. Eberhart to resign or be fired earlier this month.
Battles started in June when council reappointed Eberhart and offered him a four-year contract. Residents upset with Eberhart's performance and council's decision led a charge to recall council members who approved the measure. One member resigned and two others were recalled in a special election.
The new council rescinded Eberhart's contract offer in September, and the former city manager filed a lawsuit in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court contesting the decision.
In the meantime, residents again petitioned for change, this time asking for a special election to decide on whether to change the city's form of government.
Timing of vote
Norma J. Williams, elections board director, said once council presented the petitions for certification, state law required that an election take place within 120 days.
"Normal special elections are in February and August," Williams said. "But a charter government can name their own election. Once the petitions were presented, they had a certain amount of time in which to hold the election."
Williams said cities under charter government can hold special elections at any time during the year, and are the only type of government that can do that. Newton Falls and Cortland are the only Trumbull County cities under charter government.
Taxpayers cover the costs associated with any special election, Williams said. Charges range from printing ballots to providing poll workers and poll equipment.
King said elections-board officials informed her that the cost runs between $550 and $600 per precinct. Newton Falls has four precincts -- two vote at the Community Center, one at the First Congregational Church, and the other at the VFW. Residents vote in the same polls as during normal elections.
Williams said polls will operate as they do in a regular election. Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m.
slshaulis@vindy.com