NEWTON FALLS Special election to decide if mayor replaces city-manager government

The election is the latest in a string of issues surrounding the city manager position.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NEWTON FALLS -- Voters here could change history Dec. 10 with an upcoming special election.
The election allows residents to decide if they want to eliminate the city manager's position and adopt a mayor-council form of government. Newton Falls has operated under the current form of government since its founding, city officials said.
"There was a petition drive to do away with the city manager and get a full-time mayor," said Kathleen A. King, council clerk. "It would be a whole new style of government."
Citizens circulated petitions calling for the change and presented them to council Oct. 7, King said. Council accepted the eight pages of signatures, which were in turn verified by the Trumbull County Board of Elections.
By law, council must set a special election between 60-120 days from then, meaning the election must take place between the middle of December and the beginning of February.
The ballot issue will let voters decide whether to do away with the position of city manager.
In Ohio, city managers are responsible for the overall administration of the city. Duties can include providing strategic direction, appointing department heads, overseeing administrative departments, preparing annual budgets and keeping council and the mayor informed of the financial condition and needs of the city.
In Newton Falls, the position is held by Robert C. Eberhart.
The election is the latest in a long line of political infighting and controversy surrounding the city manager.
Background
Battles between Eberhart, citizens and council members started in June when council members reappointed Eberhart and offered him a new four-year contract.
Law Director Richard Schwartz said the contract was designed to include the final six months of this year and would have extended Eberhart's employment another 31/2 years.
Residents upset with Eberhart's performance argued against the contract, as well as against council members who approved the measure.
One council member resigned and two others were recalled by residents.
Schwartz said one new council member was appointed and two others were elected to fill the vacant positions.
The new council rescinded the contract offer to Eberhart at the Sept. 23 meeting.
"The contract had not been signed by either party," Schwartz said.
Schwartz said the new members of council did not fully understand the terms and conditions of the contract, and were not sure it was what they wanted.
Eberhart has since filed a lawsuit in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, asking for a temporary restraining order to prohibit council from rescinding the contract.
A hearing on that matter is set for Nov. 6 before Judge Andrew Logan.
slshaulis@vindy.com