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Charter Commission Recommends Drafts to Add Two Wards; Asks Staff for Implementation Timelines
Summary
Commission members discussed increasing Stow’s council wards from four to six to improve representation, asked staff to prepare drafts for implementation in 2027 and 2031, and requested guidance on redistricting logistics and likely costs.
The Charter Review Commission discussed a proposal to increase the number of city wards from four to six and asked staff to prepare ordinance language and implementation guidance for both 2027 and 2031 start dates.
Members said the change would reduce the population represented per council member and thereby increase residents’ access to their elected officials. Commissioners noted the six‑ward proposal aligns with state guidance for ward sizes and would leave Stow among the larger municipalities in the county on a wards‑per‑city comparison.
Commissioners and staff discussed practical steps: the council would be responsible for drawing boundaries if the charter provides for six wards; redistricting could require consultants or a council‑appointed commission; it would also require an implementation timeline and public outreach. The commission requested staff prepare two draft ordinances (2027 and 2031 implementation) and recommend whether a study commission or consultant budget is needed.
No final charter change was adopted; staff were asked to return with drafts, a recommended implementation schedule, and an estimate of administrative needs and costs.
