Stark County commissioners heard from staff and fellow commissioners Thursday about a $750,000 capital request submitted by the public library but chose not to approve funding at this time. Commissioners discussed space needs, uncertain soil/soil remediation costs for the planned addition and fiscal priorities following a large airport commitment recommended earlier in the meeting.

Commissioner Marsh said the county already contributes about $325,000 annually toward the library’s operations, including support for the bookmobile, and noted the current $750,000 request is specifically for construction rather than ongoing operations. Marsh and other commissioners said they were concerned by incomplete information about the site soils under the proposed addition and by the county’s recent large budget recommendation for the airport.

After several commissioners said they would prefer more compelling evidence that the project was immediately necessary, no motion was made; the chair called repeated requests for a motion and, when none were offered, said the item would be moved on. Commissioners suggested the request be reconsidered in later budget discussions rather than be funded immediately in the 2026 budget cycle.

No formal county commitment or appropriation was made at the meeting. Commissioners said the city has its own revenue stream and that the county’s contribution would need to be weighed against other high-priority needs.