Stark County approves small-city water and sewer grants for Taylor and Richardson

The Stark County Commission on Jan. 27 approved two awards from the county's small-city infrastructure fund: $89,043.75 to the City of Taylor for a water tower project and $210,500 to the City of Richardson for a sanitary sewer lining project, with Richardson required to document match spending before receiving the full amount.

Commissioners debated the two requests during a review of scoring sheets from the small-city work group. Karen (staff, small-city work group) told the commission that Taylor received an average score of 88 out of 100 and Richardson an average of 85. "The funding amount for the City of Taylor is $89,043.75 and that was to be paid out of the small city infrastructure fund," she said. On Richardson, she said the city requested $267,905.54 but provided documentation for matching funds amounting to $210,500; the work group recommended funding the documented match amount now and allowing Richardson to request the additional $57,405.54 later after submitting proof of the additional match.

Commissioners sought clarity about timing and mechanics. One commissioner asked whether the county disburses funds up front or reimburses after expenses are documented; staff replied the county's criteria position is to verify spending, and the auditors' office can confirm expenditures before payment. The commission voted by roll call to approve both awards. For Taylor, the motion passed unanimously by roll call. For Richardson, the commission approved $210,500 "subject to some accounting and receipt of approval," and the board recorded aye votes from each commissioner.

The commission chair asked that Richardson provide periodic updates and a ledger of expenditures once funds are received. The commission's action does not authorize release of the additional $57,405.54 until Richardson supplies documentation showing the required match has been spent.

The awards draw from the small-city infrastructure fund; commissioners said the panel's scoring process will be reviewed and refined after completing these awards.

Votes at a glance

- City of Taylor, water tower: $89,043.75 approved (source: small city infrastructure fund). Roll-call vote: Commissioners Claris, White, Marsh, Franchuk and the chair voted aye; motion passed. - City of Richardson, sanitary sewer lining: $210,500 approved subject to documentation of the city's match; additional requested funds may be submitted later after proof of matching expenditures. Roll-call vote: Commissioners Claris, White, Marsh, Franchuk and the chair voted aye; motion passed.

Community relevance: Both projects affect small-city infrastructure and will be paid from the county's dedicated small-city fund. Richardson may request the remaining balance only after it provides accounting that shows its required match has been spent.