Road superintendent announces March retirement; commission sets search process

Paul Geiser, Stark County road superintendent, told the commission on Jan. 14 that he will retire on March 20 after 21 years with the county.

"I have an official retirement date of March 20," Geiser said in the meeting, summarizing accomplishments and noting condition improvements to county roads and equipment. He urged the commission to plan now for the department's succession and for long-term projects such as eventual resurfacing of Enchanted Highway, which he estimated at roughly 18 miles and said will require substantial funding when it must be milled-and-filled rather than overlaid.

Commissioners responded that the road superintendent position is the county’s largest department chief role and recommended an expedited hiring process. They asked Human Resources to compile job descriptions from neighboring counties and to form a hiring subcommittee composed of two commissioners plus HR staff to draft a job description, advertise the opening, and review applicants. Commissioners suggested involving external stakeholders—examples cited included former county road superintendents and neighboring county engineers—to participate in applicant review and interviews.

Commissioners emphasized that the final hire should be acceptable to the full commission. The board asked staff to prepare a timeline and to post any committee meetings publicly if they are noticed to avoid open-meetings issues.

Ending

Commissioners agreed the subcommittee should begin immediately and that a job announcement be prepared as soon as possible so the county can attract both internal and external candidates before Geiser’s retirement.