Since the Shenango Valley Intergovernmental Study Committee met for the first time in May 1999, it has held all discussions by the full committee in public meetings that were advertised.

But the group's next meeting could be held behind closed doors.

The group's coordinating committee -- made up of one member of each municipality -- has recommended holding a retreat to go over the sub-committee reports and work on the recommendations it will make in its final report to the governing bodies of Farrell, Sharon, Sharpsville, Wheatland and Hermitage.

The five communities are studying whether to merge or consolidate.