Warwickshire County Council has decided not to join the new West Midlands Combined Authority.
The so-called "super council", which is expected to become an official authority next year, comprises the seven members of West Midlands metropolitan county - Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Certain other neighbouring councils are being offered the chance to become affiliate members of the combined authority but Warwickshire councillors today rejected the offer at a vote.
The WMCA will benefit from devolved powers from central government in London and follow in the footsteps of similar super councils in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and South Yorkshire.
At today's full council meeting, members agreed to continue supporting and pursuing the Coventry and Warwickshire Combined Authority as its preferred devolution model.
Councillors also voted to establish a member working group consisting of the leaders and one other member of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat Groups, plus Green and one independent member as observers.
This will task officers to engage with government on the devolution issue and develop proposals for alternative devolution models for Warwickshire including a stand alone Warwickshire model and alternatives with neighbouring non-metropolitan councils.
This group's will also be open to "the widest possible consultation" with the citizens of Warwickshire before any final decisions are taken by the council.
Jonathan Browning, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "I firmly believe Coventry and Warwickshire is better together because we will be much stronger and will have a greater influence on creating the right economic conditions to create jobs and for businesses to flourish.
"There is no doubt we have a strong economy in the area which is working well with the private and public sector having a joined-up approach.
"If we remain solely as Coventry and Warwickshire, we won't have the opportunity to make the most of government funding opportunities which devolution in the West Midlands would provide.
"It is important we try to find a way to tap into the resources available if devolution in our region goes ahead as well as maintain the speed and responsiveness which we are renowned for in Coventry and Warwickshire.
"I would expect to see a significant economic uplift from the combined authority and devolution. Coventry and Warwickshire should look to benefit from this while maintaining our focus on local issues.
"There is an opportunity for Warwickshire County Council to play an important role in the development and success of the WMCA without being involved in all the complexities and consequences of its final decisions such as an elected mayor.
"I am sure all local authorities in Coventry and Warwickshire will continue to work closely with the CWLEP for the benefit of people and businesses here and we must work through any issues which arise."
