CRESCENT SPRINGS — A task force studying whether this city should merge with Villa Hills says several questions must first be answered.

        “We have come to no specific recommendation or conclusion as to what needs to be done, because we haven't heard from Villa Hills,” Tom Vergamini, Crescent Springs task force chairman, said Tuesday. “If there's any interest on (Villa Hills') side in exploring this further, then we need to know.”

        Villa Hills officials reached Tuesday said they are interested in studying the issue, but they added that the recent political turmoil in their city has temporarily put the merger issue on the back burner.

        Last July, the Northern Kentucky Area Development District recommended that the neighboring Kenton County cities consider a possible merger to improve service, promote financial stability, and have a more effective police department.

        A memo detailing a Crescent Springs task force's concerns and possible action regarding a merger was delivered to the Villa Hills city building Jan. 23, with copies designated for Mayor Steve Clark and the six council members, Crescent Springs Mayor Claire Moriconi said.

        “With all the turmoil going on (in Villa Hills), it's just one of those things that got sidelined,” Villa Hills Councilman Bob Krems said of the merger study.

        Mr. Krems — who thinks the two cities should first explore the benefits of combining services or purchasing power or both — said he understood Mr. Clark planned to appoint a committee to study the merger proposal.

        During the past year, Mr. Clark and the majority of Villa Hills City Council have clashed on a number of issues, including the mayor's Dec. 28 firing of the long-time police chief and city clerk.

        Villa Hills Councilman Bob Kramer said that Mr. Clark appointed himself and former Councilwoman Mary Koenig to a committee to study the merger issue more than a year ago.

        “I never heard a word about it,” Mr. Kramer said of the committee.

        Mr. Clark could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

        By June 30, the Crescent Springs task force also recommended that:

        • The two cities schedule joint or separate town meetings to solicit residents' opinions on a possible merger.

        • The cities obtain a legal opinion from the Kentucky attorney general on when the merger could be presented to residents of Villa Hills and Crescent Springs for a vote, and who would govern the newly formed city.

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