NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - Newton Falls is planning to transfer city-owned electric transmission lines to a company called AMP Transmission. It would be in exchange for the city getting at least $4.2 million dollars, according to Newton Falls City Manager David Lynch. In addition, the transmission lines will still be maintained by local crews and AMP Transmission will pay those crews top dollar, Lynch added. 

"It doesn't affect any resident in our community except for one important point: It reduces the cost to our residents," Lynch said. "We can use the additional money coming from AMP and use that to subsidize the electric we provide to our own citizens."

While the city says this will reduce electric rates, some residents are concerned. 

"We the people want the ability to vote on what we have," said Ashley Love, a Newton Falls resident. "We don't feel like we are informed enough to pass this legislation because there hasn't been enough information provided to us as citizens."

Some residents have created a referendum on the matter, which has already surpassed the required signatures needed.

"We're trying to buy ourselves time to get more information to have town halls to have information circulated," Love said. "There's no reason why this needs to go right now."

Lynch recommends residents who are concerned should read the contract with AMP Transmission

"A majority of the members of city council have taken many weeks to read that, to attend an executive session regarding it, to attend a first reading regarding it, to attend a town hall meeting -- which was broadcast live -- regarding it, and to attend a second reading regarding it. They've taken the time to read these documents to confirm all these things that I've said," Lynch said. "People that might oppose this deal mean they want to increase the cost of electricity for Newton Falls citizens and that would be a terrible shame." 

Lynch said all of the documents -- including the contract with AMP about this electric transmission transfer -- are available to the public upon request from the city. 

When it comes to the transfer, council has approved the measure and the city's discussions with AMP Transmission are ongoing.