WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Harlem Township trustees voted Wednesday night to end discussions with the City of Westerville about their potential merger.
At the start of the board meeting, Trustee Carl Richison announced that fellow Trustee Matt Jaeger abruptly resigned from his position. A reason for his resignation was not discussed or provided.
Richison said that the Strategic Planning Committee — the group working closely with the proposed merger — voted to disband during its meeting on Tuesday.
The remaining trustees on Wednesday voted during the board meeting to end talks with Westerville on the merger.
The intent to merge was announced in February when officials said the area would see significant change and growth with Intel’s new semiconductor facilities in central Ohio.
City officials proposed the merger to help preserve the histories of both communities and give residents more power to control future developments that would best serve their interests.
City and township officials hoped that the merger would be put on the November ballot.
In a statement released Thursday, Westerville leaders said the trustees, staff and volunteers were overwhelmed with criticism from those who opposed the potential merger.
Officials previously mentioned that they were aware that the proposed merger would bring challenges with police and fire departments, parks and other city services.
Westerville leaders were aware that more time may have been needed for the merger agreement as the timeline was aggressive.
You can read the full statement from the City of Westerville below.
"We are aware of the Harlem Township Trustees action to discontinue discussions related to the intent to merge.
In fact, Westerville City Council was informed on Tuesday, March 19 a change may be imminent. Township officials had requested an expanded timeline to pursue a Merger Agreement, to which the City was amenable. An adapted timeline would move an election for both communities into 2025. The timeline to hit the November ballot was aggressive from the beginning for a very new or rarely used strategic partnership like a merger.
While this was one scenario to continue to move forward in good faith, we are aware Trustees, staff and volunteers have been inundated with outcries of criticism from opposing parties in recent weeks.
It is important to note the Feb. 28, 2024 announcement did one thing only: initiated a public process of exploring the development of a Merger Agreement, upon which the voters of each community would approve.
These discussions began because Township officials and representatives approached Westerville administrators as a potential strategic partner in July 2023. Harlem recognized the need for planning help and support, and Westerville believes that need still exists.
Westerville’s endeavors for reasonable, responsible decision making on growth and development are not ending. This is key to any strategic partnership in Harlem Township or elsewhere where Westerville can have a voice in planning.
Westerville will continue to serve and advise our neighbors to the east as development and potential annexation takes shape. Westerville is committed to working with Harlem and any regional partners to pursue thoughtful, well-planned growth that facilities continued strong public services, responsive public safety and crime prevention, safe schools and neighborhoods, job creation and overall economic stability.
The growth now and that predicted for Central Ohio has a direct impact on both communities and cooperation best serves our interests."