Stark County’s joint city–county 9‑1‑1 dispatch center asked commissioners Thursday for support to add at least two full‑time dispatchers, citing sustained minimum staffing, increasing call complexity and risks of operating constantly at minimum coverage.

Lieutenant Mike Hanel, who represents the dispatch center, said July staffing data showed the center was at minimum staffing for 22 of 31 days and that recent large response incidents had strained available personnel. Hanel described new demands on dispatchers — language-translation needs, proliferation of internet‑connected sensors and “Internet of Things” alerts, and more complex medical and multi‑agency incidents — all of which increase handling time for each call.

The center requested a formal county contribution to expand staffing. The county share (about 37 percent of the incremental cost under the existing city/county cost‑share arrangement) was estimated at roughly $58,000 before any 2026 cost‑of‑living adjustments; the city would absorb the remainder. Commissioners voted to provide a written letter of support and to include the request in the county’s 2026 budget discussions.

Commissioners and the sheriff noted the operational risk of operating with minimal dispatch staffing during major incidents; the motion to provide a letter and to plan for budget consideration passed unanimously.

No formal appropriation was made at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to include the estimated funding request in upcoming budget deliberations and to coordinate with city staff on final figures.