Sharpsville council Vice President Gary "Gus" Grandy wants a town meeting called to educate residents about the proposed consolidation of Shenango Valley communities into a single city.

But the mayor and a member of the merger study committee suggested it might be better to wait.

On Wednesday, Grandy offered his fellow council members petitions he said were signed by about 100 Sharpsville residents opposed to the merger. He said he didn't have to seek out people to sign the petitions, they came to him.

Grandy said he wants a town meeting to tell residents about the consolidation being considered by Sharpsville, Sharon, Hermitage, Farrell and Wheatland. "Everyone needs to be informed," he said.

Mayor Kenneth P. Robertson said council intends to have a town meeting once the Shenango Valley Intergovernmental Study Committee, which is gathering information on the merger, is done with its work.

"There's not enough information to hold a town meeting," Robertson said.

Councilman Tom Lally, who is on the merger committee, said if a meeting is held before the study is done, many questions residents have may go unanswered. He said the final police and sewer reports are not done yet.

Council President Jack Cardwell said he has not made up his mind about the merger. "I don't know how anybody can until the final plan is presented," he said.

Cardwell said he hasn't made up his mind about consolidation but wants to see the question on the ballot. He said he thinks something has to be done to keep young people in the Shenango Valley. He said once the baby boomers and their parents are gone, the whole area could become a "virtual ghost town."

"I think everyone in town should vote on it," he said.

Grandy said he had no problem with the merger appearing on the ballot if residents are informed.