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The Trumbull County Board of Elections on Wednesday, ruled that a referendum for an ordinance regarding an employment agreement with Newton Falls City Manager Pamela Priddy is not a legislative matter, but an administrative one.
The ordinance increases Priddy's annual salary to $30,000 per year with six weeks of vacation.
After its decision in December was appealed, the board came to the same conclusion for the second time, so the referendum will be removed from the March 19, 2024 primary election ballot.
"The charter clearly spells out the ability of the city council to appoint a city manager; therefore, the board of elections affirms its decision and rejects the referendum," board member Marleah Campbell said.
On Nov. 30, 2023, Village of Newton Falls Clerk Michael Accomb certified the efficiency and validity of a referendum petition relative to the city ordinance regarding amendments to the city manager’s employment agreement.
The Trumbull County Board of Elections then rejected the ordinance's placement on the primary election ballot Dec. 6, 2023, due to it being an administrative matter, the board ruled.
On Dec. 11, Julie Lemon, a referendum committee member, submitted two email messages to the Board of Elections, on behalf of the referendum committee, asking for reconsideration of the board's decision.
On Wednesday, Lemon protested that if there is "explicit instruction" in the city's charter, it is applied before any other consideration is made.
Lemon further explained that she believed that citizens should be given the right to vote on the position of assistant to city manager, or city clerk, as well as salary consideration.
City council has the ability to appoint a city manager, the board concluded.
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