Commission declines motion on $750,000 library capital request, discussion to continue
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Summary
The Stark County Commission discussed a $750,000 capital request from a library for building addition costs tied to soil remediation but did not approve funding on Sept. 4, leaving the item for later consideration as commissioners said the county has other large financial commitments this budget cycle.
County commissioners discussed a $750,000 capital request from the local library on Sept. 4 but took no formal action after concerns about cost, scope and timing.
Commissioner Marsh said the county currently provides about $325,000 per year to the library for operations and supports programming such as a bookmobile, but the requested $750,000 was for construction costs and not operational support. Marsh said the library’s addition includes a significant unknown: the soil beneath the proposed addition apparently cannot support the planned structure without costly remediation, and the final cost of soil work is not yet specified.
Commissioners expressed concern about setting a precedent for funding multiple capital requests from local entities in the same budget year, especially after the airport commitment. Commissioners discussed delaying action and asked for more compelling evidence of need and clearer cost estimates before committing county funds for 2026. No motion was made, and the item was not included in the commission’s immediate funding recommendations.
Next steps: the library request remains on county staff’s radar; commissioners invited the library to provide clearer cost estimates and to coordinate with city funding options. The item may be taken up again in the coming budget process if additional information is provided.