Voters approve Issue 4; North Canton sets timeline for new fire station, bond sale and tax rescind

Voters approved Issue 4 in May 2025, and North Canton officials on May 13 announced a multi-step timeline for a new fire station project and related finances.

The measure’s passage will let the city issue bonds to build a new station and replace existing funding structures for fire and emergency medical services, Mayor Stephen B. Wilder said during the meeting. City staff said demolition at the new site could begin as soon as May, with contractor selection, permitting and bond sale to follow.

City staff presented a sequence of near-term “hard dates” and softer timing estimates that officials said are conditional on standard administrative steps. Staff member Ryan said, “January 26, new income tax will take effect,” referring to the tax reallocation the city plans to use for stable operating revenue for fire and EMS. Staff advised that certification of the election results by the board of elections, expected by late May or early June, will let the city proceed with legislation to rescind the property levies and to start the bond sale process.

City staff told council that a Stark County Land Bank grant is helping fund demolition at the new site and that the contractor selection packet process has restarted now that funding is secured. The administration said it expects to have a contractor selected for council award after the summer break; if design, permitting and site work move quickly, limited construction activity could begin before winter. Full construction administration would proceed in spring 2026, with a target move-in in summer 2027.

Councilmembers and residents who spoke during public comment supported the vote and asked for prompt follow-through. Resident Bill Knapp, a former firefighter who said he had advocated for a new station for years, thanked council and staff for bringing the measure to fruition.

City staff described post-occupancy plans: once the new station opens and the city vacates Stations 1 and 2, Station 1 will be offered for sale and Station 2 is planned to be converted to a recreation facility. Officials said final sequencing depends on contractor pricing and final bond terms.

Discussion points, next steps and constraints

- Discussion only: Council and staff discussed timing and the need for state and local administrative steps (BOE certification, permitting, planning commission review where applicable). - Direction: Staff was directed to restart contractor pricing and to prepare ordinances to rescind property levies and to authorize bond issuance once the vote is certified. - Formal action: No additional council ordinance or bond sale was approved at the May 13 meeting; staff framed the legislative steps council will consider once BOE certification is complete.

What remains unresolved

Officials said specific contractor selection and final construction schedules will depend on bids and permit timelines. The city also said it will run an outreach effort for employers and residents explaining the change in income-tax treatment before the tax takes effect.

Ending

City staff committed to bringing ordinance language and bond-sale details to council once the vote is certified and financing details are firm, and to return with final contractor recommendations for council action after the summer break.