NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - A resolution to allow speed cameras in Newton Falls was removed from the agenda during Wednesday night's city council meeting.

This comes days after the Board of Elections unanimously voted that the decision should be in the hands of the voters.

Residents collected over 150 signatures to put speed cameras on next year's ballot. After, law director Jeff Limbian sent an opinion to the Trumbull County Board of Elections (BOE), saying speed cameras are an administrative issue, and are not subject to referendum. 

Prosecutor Jason Toth disagreed, saying it's a legislative issue and should be in the hands of voters.

The Trumbull County Board of Elections unanimously agreed with Toth.

In Wednesday's meeting, a resolution about speeding cameras was removed. Even so, multiple people living in Newton Falls showed up at the meeting, angry with Limbian for his views on how the speed camera issue should be handled.

“You guys tried to sideswipe. And you're taking advice from this guy, he's allowing you guys to violate your oath,” said Julie Lemon of Newton Falls.

Charlotte Simmons of Newton Falls feels there was an attempt to silence their voices, even after getting enough signatures on the petition.

“You people think that you have our voices, and you can take away our votes. Well, that's not happening here,” said Simmons.

Residents also pointed out that while speed cameras have been discussed for school zones, the resolution at the council meeting would have allowed the cameras to be anywhere in the city.

Second Ward Councilman Brian Axiotis agreed. He feels the situation was not handled properly.

“These people went out and collected signatures so they could start a referendum and vote on it themselves. And somehow, some way, the people here, some of these people up here, sitting here tonight, thought that they should not have that right. That is appalling,” said Axiotis.

Others on the city council feel the cameras are needed.

“By putting that officer at the school zone, all day or during the school hours, it’s stopping him or her from providing services to the rest of the residents,” said Bob Burke, Third Ward Councilman. 

“The street patrol it takes up a lot of time that could otherwise be used for drug enforcement and domestic crimes and things like that. The speed cameras are basically a street tax. So if you want to speed going through town, you’ll have to pay for it,” said Dave Hanson, Newton Falls mayor.

Newton Falls residents will be able to vote on the speeding cameras in fall of 2026.