1.
How does the study process work?
The goal of the study process is to evaluate the pros and cons of a merger.
A merger study provides the information needed to decide whether a merger is
the best course of action for our two communities. Studying a merger in no
way means a merger will occur.
The entire study process is governed by Ohio law (ORC 709.43). During the study, each community will be equally represented on the 10 person commission (5 people from each community). The commission is responsible for getting input, evaluating options and making recommendations for a form of government and the way to combine resources, assets and revenues. These recommendations are called Statement of Conditions. The study will look for economies of scale and for savings wherever possible.
Any recommendation
of the study group must be approved by both the city and township representatives
before it is accepted as a recommendation. In the end, the voters
will have the final say.
2.
What will the merger study evaluate?
We have been listening to residents and compiling a list of questions you have
raised. A list of questions identified by residents is listed under the Merger
Study Questions link at www.oneolmsted.org. So far, questions fall into five
categories: Safety, Municipal Services, Government Structure and Fiscal Responsibility;
and, Economic Growth and Planning.
3.
Why do a study?
Before we make a big decision in our personal lives (choosing a doctor, buying
a house or car or selecting retirement living; or, putting a child in daycare)
we study our options. The study will evaluate options on what is the best form
of government to meet our future needs as citizens. Right now the two communities
represent about 20,000 citizens. Citizens of both communities are in charge
of the process.
The merger study process is non-binding process. The study will allow us to weigh all the factors – positive and negative – and then present the findings to the residents of the communities for their vote. Conducting a study will help citizens make an informed choice based upon fact - not innuendo. A study will enable us to control how we are governed. Isn’t it time we get the facts?
4
Does a merger between the communities of Olmsted Falls and Olmsted
Township make sense?
We already behave as if we are one community on so many levels—our schools,
churches, safety force mutual aid, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club—just
to name a few examples.
A merger study will provide the information necessary to decide whether a merger is the best course of action for our two communities. Studying the options is a first step in the process to enable us to make a choice based upon facts and not innuendo. That’s why citizens are currently seeking a merger study.
5.
Is it true that the township can become a city by itself?
According to Ohio law, for the township to become a city would require that
all six of the communities it borders to agree to allow that to happen. So
far only the City of Olmsted Falls has agreed. None of the other surrounding
communities have said they would support Olmsted Township becoming a city because
it would eliminate their option to annex adjoining portions of the township.
6.
How will the cost of the study be covered?
Applications for grants to offset part of the study cost are prepared and submitted
to various foundations; and, any funds received will be used to cover the costs
of the study. The elected commission will work with regional government, colleges,
citizens and others to keep costs down during the study process.
7.
How will the commissioners on the Study Committee be selected?
Voters from each community will select their representatives on the November
2009 ballot. There are five commissioners from the township and five from the
city. The top five vote getters from each community will become commissioners
and serve on the merger study group. See candidate bios at the Commission Candidate
List link at www.oneolmsted.org.
If you are interested in financially supporting this campaign process please send donations to One Olmsted Committee, 7842 Stearns Rd, Olmsted Twp, OH 44138 Attn: Dale Roser, Treasurer.