The Warren City Council delayed a decision on whether to join the Warren County Landbank but did agree to membership in the Council of Governments.

Councilman Maurice Cashman requested that the decision regarding the landbank be referred to the city’s Redevelopment Authority for its comments.

Cashman said the RDA had discussions about the proposal from time to time but had not come to a conclusion on whether the landbank would be a useful part of its endeavors. He continued to express concern about the prospect of the city participating.

“Any house or commercial building that goes into this landbank becomes county property,” Cashman said, questioning who is “going to pay attention” to the rehabilitation process.

He added that there was a potential obligation to the city for funding “to really make it functional.”

“I think what the landbank wants to accomplish is desperately needed,” Councilman John Wortman said. “I’m more curious to hear from the RDA in detail on how this would assist them in what they already do.”

Council did, however, after previously expressing reticence, agree to join the Council of Governments.

“I applaud them for putting a formal document together,” Cashman said of the COG. “This just formalizes what they have been doing in the past. If we don’t like what they’re doing… we can say no and it’s a no.’

“It actually operates the same as it always has.”

Councilman Jared Villella called the corresponding dues to be a member a “nominal fee to pay” to be a good neighbor.

Councilwoman Danielle Flasher added that joining the COG is in the city’s “best interest.”

A motion to join passed 6-1 with Wortman in opposition. After the vote, Wortman asked to be considered the city’s delegate to the COG.

Mayor Dave Wortman said that issue would be placed on the council’s March agenda.