Newton Falls residents are being asked to decide whether or not the community center will be removed from the park and recreation board's responsibilities in November.

During a meeting held July 19, Newton Falls City Council voted 4-1 to put the issue on November's ballot.

"This is the first step in creating something that will become more like our joint fire district board," Councilwoman Tesa Spletzer said during the meeting. 

According to city officials, the plan is to establish a new board that will be solely responsible for overseeing the center's operations and upkeep.

The board will also provide oversight on any repairs the center needs and handle funding and grants to cover project costs.

Now, the center needs work done on its roof, floors, walls and restrooms.

The village has applied to get an estimated $5 million in funds to fix the center.

The hope is to remove some of the burden the parks and recreation board has so projects involving the community center won't be forgotten due to other projects.

Councilman Gideon Fetterholf said during the meeting that this board will allow the city to get people with experience in areas like finance and repairs to manage the center's upkeep.

"It will still be a part of the city," he said. "[The board] will be appointed by the city, by the council. The records of the monies will  be kept by the city. It will be kept in separate funds."

The ordinance that was approved would also require the city manager to supervise the recreational board budget and purchasing functions and require the board to be consulted on its budget before it's formulated.

It would also require the finance director to provide monthly budget reports to the board and require the board to develop an annual plan for the use of its appropriated funds.

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