It's Now a Feasibility Study

For good reason, the committee selected by the City of Sylvania, Sylvania Township, and Sylvania CIC to look at a closer relationship between the City and Township has been renamed from a Merger Study to a Feasibility Study committee. This is because a Merger Study can only be brought to life on terms spelled out according to Ohio law. Specifically, a petition must be circulated which asks that: a Merger Commission be formed, and at least 5 Commissioners from each entity be elected to conduct the study.

The Feasibility Study committee, then, has the following goals:

1. Identify key issues, questions, and objectives to address early in the process, so as to be able to present the 'pros and cons'relative to continuing the study, and

2. Determine the schedule and venue for opportunities for public involvement and communication.

The committee will use its best efforts to enable residents to make informed decisions if and when petitions are circulated.

Feasibility Study committee members include Greg Arnold, Tom Grubs, Doug Haynam, Frank Kozak, Dee Dee Liedel, Mark Luetke, Pat Nowak, Gary Sommer and Susan Wood. Each member has been assigned to explore a key issue, such as:

• What is the merger process?

• What would a merged government look like?

• What would a merged government cost?

• Where would its revenue come from?

• What impact would it have on services provided to residents?

The important issue of the potential tax impact on residents and businesses will be examined, as well.

The current committee will shed welcome light on the issues involved.

However,tangible direction on each issue would have to be determined by elected Merger Study commissioners, as described above, by negotiation of the terms and conditions of a new municipality.

Jack MacMillan

For Sylvania AdVantage

5733 Sun Valley Blvd.

Sylvania, OH 43560