Stark County commissioners formally elevated Todd Miller from Road Operations Specialist to the county’s road superintendent and approved a $100,000 annual salary for the position, effective immediately. Commissioners said the move recognizes Miller’s decades of service and positions the department for continuity as the county funds and plans capital road and equipment projects.

Commissioner Claris moved to elevate Miller; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Miller accepted the promotion in remarks to the board, saying he had worked under long‑serving staff for many years and that the change was “a dream come true” after more than four decades in county service. Commissioner Frančak later moved — and the board approved — setting the superintendent salary at $100,000 immediately and carrying that amount into the 2026 budget.

The county’s budget includes a funded superintendent line and other road‑department adjustments. Commissioners discussed keeping funding available for related hires and equipment purchases, and they asked county staff to convert any part‑time roles the board approved to full‑time when necessary. Commissioners also moved a $64,500 starting salary for a new operator line and tabled technical details to the auditor’s office for inclusion in the final budget documents.

Board members said the change was intended to leave room for future salary growth and retention. The item passed by roll call vote: the initial promotion motion carried unanimously, and the salary motion also passed on a 5–0 roll call.