Canton Hires Outside Lawyers for Perry Twp. Water Dispute

City seeks council approval to pay $12,709 for legal opinion on township's plans to form its own water system.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:07am

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The city of Canton has hired an outside law firm to provide a legal opinion on its ongoing water service dispute with neighboring Perry Township. Canton Law Director Jason Reese called the situation an "extremely narrow legal situation" and is now seeking city council approval to pay the $12,709 bill for the firm's work. The dispute stems from Perry Township's threat of a lawsuit and plans to form its own water system, which Canton officials say could create legal complications in an area the city already serves.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the complex legal and jurisdictional issues that can arise between municipalities over critical infrastructure like water services. Canton's decision to seek an outside legal opinion suggests the city is taking the township's actions seriously and wants to ensure it is on solid legal footing as the situation develops.

The details

Canton hired the Cleveland-based law firm Calfee, Halter and Griswold to provide a legal opinion on the water service dispute with Perry Township. The city did not open a purchase order before the firm began work, so officials are now seeking council approval to pay the $12,709 bill. Canton's main concerns are potential legal complications if Perry Township establishes its own water system in an area the city already serves. This is described as an "extremely narrow legal situation" that the city's law department has not encountered before in the 30 years of the current law director's tenure.

  • In late January, annexation disagreements between Canton and Perry resulted in Mayor William V. Sherer II halting residential water hookups from Feb. 5 to March 18.
  • As of April 1, Sherer said there has not yet been a resolution formed between the two governments, but that future meetings between officials are scheduled.

The players

Jason Reese

Canton Law Director who called the water dispute an "extremely narrow legal situation" and sought the outside legal opinion.

William V. Sherer II

Canton Mayor who halted residential water hookups in the dispute with Perry Township before later resuming them.

Gerrie Cotter

Perry Township Administrator who said the township is continuing to research available water options for residents and that discussions are still in the early stages.

Calfee, Halter and Griswold

The Cleveland-based law firm hired by Canton to provide a legal opinion on the water service dispute with Perry Township.

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What they’re saying

“This is a once in a blue moon situation. In the 30 years that I've been here, I've never heard of a township or another municipality saying they're going to take our water.”

— Jason Reese, Canton Law Director

“Any approach would need to account for existing infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and long-term service reliability.”

— Gerrie Cotter, Perry Township Administrator

What’s next

Canton City Council is scheduled to vote on approving the $12,709 payment to the outside law firm at its April 6 meeting. Future meetings between Canton and Perry Township officials are also planned as they continue to work towards a resolution.

The takeaway

This water dispute between Canton and Perry Township highlights the complex legal and jurisdictional challenges that can arise when neighboring municipalities clash over critical infrastructure. Canton's decision to seek an outside legal opinion suggests the city is taking the township's actions seriously and wants to ensure it is on solid legal footing, underscoring the high stakes involved in these types of intergovernmental conflicts.