Council President Rejects East Cleveland Merger Proposal

CLEVELAND, OH — East Cleveland City Council recently presented an ordinance to begin merger talks with Cleveland, a proposal that Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley declared a non-starter.

Council President Kelley says he remains open to discussions regarding a merger between Cleveland and East Cleveland, but added, “Our Council will take no action under the conditions proposed by the East Cleveland City Council.”

The East Cleveland ordinance, which also names three commissioners to represent the city in annexation negotiations, was presented to Cleveland City Council Clerk Patricia Britt last week.

Under Ohio law, Cleveland City Council, within 30 days of the clerk receiving the ordinance, can adopt an ordinance designating its three commissioners to represent Cleveland in annexation negotiations. (The six commissioners then would have 120 days to come to agreement on merger conditions.)

“I am committed to continue discussing ways toward a possible merger with East Cleveland,” the council president said. “But any movement must be fair and feasible to both cities.

“We would consider moving forward with the annexation process if there is state or federal financial assistance with the capital needs of East Cleveland, as well as transitional needs of municipal operations.”

Image by Niagara [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons