The Stark County Commission voted Thursday to recommend that the county commit $4 million toward a planned expansion at the Dickinson Airport and to phase payment around construction milestones. Commissioners approved a motion that would authorize $1.75 million no earlier than Jan. 1, 2026 or upon commencement of construction, and the remaining $2.25 million at project completion in 2027.

County commissioners said the airport project has been under development for several years and argued the expansion could secure longer-term commercial service. Commissioner Corey White, whose portfolio includes airport matters, said the facility is “important” for regional travel and that phased payments could be a compromise given the project’s total cost.

The motion sets the first disbursement to be triggered when the airport breaks ground (or no earlier than Jan. 1, 2026) and conditions the final payment on completion. Several commissioners said they preferred paying in arrears or tying payment to project progress rather than front-loading county funds. Commissioners also discussed spreading the county share over two fiscal years to ease budget impact.

The board noted the state has pledged substantial funding for the airport and that local contributions are intended to leverage those funds. The commission recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the recommendation; commissioners said the recommendation will be transmitted to the county’s formal budget meeting, where the appropriation will be adopted.

No formal contract with the airport authority was approved at the meeting; commissioners limited action to the budget recommendation and set conditions for payment timing.

The commission also heard broader concerns about affordability and whether Stark County would see direct benefits commensurate with the contribution, given that nearby counties use the airport as well. Commissioners said they expect to revisit details if the airport requests final disbursements.